The System of the World

The Locus Award and the Prometheus Award.

In 1714, when Daniel Waterhouse returns to the shores of England without much triumph, the world looks dangerous – especially in London, the center of finance, innovation, and conspiracies. An aging Puritan and natural philosopher, once a confidant of high-ranking officials and a contemporary of the brightest minds of the era, dares to cross the ocean to help resolve the conflict between two warring geniuses. And while at first glance much has changed, the hypocrisy and cruelty that Daniel once fled to the North American colonies remain the currency of the British crown.
As soon as Daniel sets foot on his native land, he finds himself at the very center of a conflict that has been raging for decades. This is a secret war between the director of the Mint, the alchemist and genius Isaac Newton, and his arch-enemy, the cunning counterfeiter Jack Shaftoe. The conflict suddenly escalates to a new level when Jack the Moneyer devises a bold attack on the Tower itself, aiming at nothing less than the complete destruction of Britain's nascent monetary system.
It is unknown what led the King of Beggars to embark on a path of betrayal. Perhaps it was love and a desperate need to protect the lady of his heart – the beautiful Eliza. Meanwhile, Daniel Waterhouse is searching for a swindler who is trying to destroy natural philosophers with hellish devices. Politicians are trying to secure the most comfortable seats while waiting for the death of the ailing Queen Anne. The "Holy Grail" of alchemy, the key to eternal life, continues to elude Isaac Newton, but he is close to deriving its formula. Waterhouse, on the other hand, is slowly bringing to life the greatest technological innovation of the era.


"Filled with crazy adventures, political intrigues, social upheaval, discoveries that could change civilization, Kabbalistic mysticism, and even a touch of romance, this grand saga is worth its weight in gold (Solomon)." – Paul Allen

"The cycle explores contemporary philosophical issues through witty, tense, and amusing plot twists." – New York Times

"A sweeping, gripping tale." – Seattle Times

"The action of the cycle takes place during one of the most exciting periods in history, from 1600 to 1750, and it brilliantly conveys the intellectual excitement and cultural revolution of that era. With real characters like Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the novel so skillfully blends fact and fiction that it is practically impossible to separate one from the other." – Booklist

"Meticulous presentation of information and scientific style perfectly combine with a thrilling plot and rich setting of the Baroque cycle world." – Bookmarks Magazine