[extropy-chat] Re: Newtonmass?

[John M]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: extropy-chat-bounces at lists.extropy.org [mailto:extropy-chat-
> bounces at lists.extropy.org] On Behalf Of Mike Lorrey
> Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 4:31 PM
> To: ExI chat list
> Subject: Re: [extropy-chat] Re: Newtonmass?
> 
> Speaking of Newton, I just finished reading Neal Stephenson's novel
> Quicksilver and am starting The Confusion, in which Newton is a
> relatively prominent character. Has anyone read these Baroque Cycle
> novels and what is your opinion of them and the portrayal of Newton?

I can proudly say I've just finished all 2624 pages of this series, and the
holidays are here just in time; though the first couple'a thousand pages are
entertaining, I really need a break.  Overall, I enjoyed the books, though
there are some things (Enoch Root, for instance) that I wish had been filled
in a bit more.

Unfortunately I don't know that much about Newton's 'real' life, so can't
comment on the second part of your question.  I do know that it's tough
reading historical fiction like this; fact and fiction start getting mixed
up after a while (oh wait, was Newton really down with Alchemy, or was that
just some fiction I read?).

Anyway, Happy Holidays all.