1990 alternative history novel by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
This article is about the novel. For the machine designed by Charles Babbage, see Difference engine.
This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article.(May 2012)
The Difference Engine
Cover of first edition (hardcover)
Author
William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
Country
United States
Language
English
Genre
Alternate history, steampunk
Publisher
Victor Gollancz Ltd
Publication date
September 1990
Media type
Print (hardback and paperback)
Pages
383 pp (Paperback – 429 pages)
ISBN
0-575-04762-3
OCLC
21299781
The Difference Engine (1990) is an alternative history novel by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling. It is widely regarded as a book that helped establish the genre conventions of steampunk.
It posits a Victorian era Britain in which great technological and social change has occurred after entrepreneurial inventor Charles Babbage succeeded in his ambition to build a mechanical computer (actually his Analytical Engine rather than the difference engine).
The novel was nominated for the British Science Fiction Award in 1990, the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1991, and both the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and the Prix Aurora Award in 1992.
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