10 Best Books By Neal Stephenson

Neal Stephenson has become a true publishing phenomenon. As well as being a multiple NYT bestselling author, Stephenson is beloved among true sci fi fans for his exciting take on the genre. He’s often associated with cyberpunk and similar genres, but as you see here, his range is great varied. Whether you’re new to Neal Stephenson, or looking for your next book by him, this list will give you plenty to enjoy.

If you want to check out any of these titles for free, you can do so with Audible's one month free trial.

1.

Snow Crash
Neal Stephenson


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Neil Stephenson released Snow Crash back in 1992, and it’s still regarded by many people as his finest work. The book features a wide range of academic material, as is typical of Stephenson’s work, and the topics covered include history, linguistics and philosophy. The plot focuses on a post-crash America and explores relevant concepts such as the rise of a VR internet. Fascinating and pertinent.

2.

Cryptonomicon
Neal Stephenson


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When Stephenson released Cryptonomicon back in 1999, it was widely regarded as one of the best works of speculative fiction many readers had come across. The story is structured innovatively, switching back and forth from a World War 2 and more contemporary perspective. Like many concepts from Neal Stephenson, the story is strangely prescient, dealing with an online currency which has many similarities with crypto. A gripping technological tale.  

3.

The Diamond Age
Neal Stephenson


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Showing he is more than capable of turning any technology into a gripping plot, Stephenson deals with nanotech in The Diamond Age. The story is noteworthy for featuring an admirable female protagonist, in a genre which sadly often neglects women, or reduces their status. Neal Stephenson uses The Diamond Age to contemplate how technology impacts childhood and how culture does and does not serve us.

4.

Anathem
Neal Stephenson


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Anathem is perhaps one of the most intellectually stimulating of Neal Stephenson’s novels, and that really is saying something. The story deals with quantum mechanics, and considers the very nature and meaning of reality itself. These heavyweight ideas are thankfully wrapped up in a gripping sci-fi storyline featuring planetary adventure. Anathem picked up a Locus award, and is a fantastic choice for fans of intellectual science fiction.

5.

Reamde
Neal Stephenson


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Reamde is one of Stephenson’s more recent works, having been published back in 2011. The story deals with many contemporary themes, such as online role playing games, the meaning of currency on the Internet, and the methods used by terror and criminal organizations. The plot is action-packed, dealing with battles, terror attacks, and other white knuckle events. One of the most exciting reads Stephenson has produced to date.

6.

Quicksilver
Neal Stephenson


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Neal Stephenson kicks off his Baroque Cycle with Quicksilver, an absolutely epic tale weighing in at over 900 pages. The book was originally intended to be a cycle of three books, but they were combined into a single volume. The story centers on a series of mysterious flashbacks into the past, ultimately linking Quicksilver to some of Stephenson’s other tales. An epic read in its own right, and absolutely essential for fans of the universe Stephenson has created.

7.

Zodiac
Neal Stephenson


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As is typical of Neal Stephenson books, Zodiac takes a serious scientific topic and turns it into a gripping read. In Zodiac, it is the turn of environmentalism to provide the scientific depth to Stephenson’s story. The plot details how a group of eco-warriors fight back against a sinister conspiracy. Zodiac mixes in elements of drug use which give the story an extra element of unpredictability and surprise.

8.

Seveneves
Neal Stephenson


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Imagine of the moon’s disintegration forced humans to live our familiar planet and become a space based species. That is exactly the scenario explored by Neal Stephenson in Seveneves. As one would expect, the author incorporates plenty of hard science fiction into Seveneves, employing his usual academic rigor. Seveneves is told in three sections and is set across a timeline spanning millennia. A must read for fans of epic hard sci fi.

9.

The Rise And Fall Of D.O.D.O
Neal Stephenson


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At the time of writing, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O is the most recent novel released by Neal Stephenson, produced in collaboration with Nicole Galland. Without spoiling the plot, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O makes use of time travel and other fantastical elements to tell a tale of magic, history, and linguistics. This Neal Stephenson novel mixes in plenty of humor to keep the reader entertained while immersed in the epic plotline.

10.

Interface
Neal Stephenson


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Interface was originally released under a pseudonym representing both Neal Stephenson and George Jewsbury. Interface explores the relationship between big business and politics, and considers how bioimplants will impact free will and society at large. Although reprints have credited both Stephenson and Jewsbury with the tale, Interface is often considered an unappreciated work due to its pseudonymous original release.

What Is Neal Stephenson's Background?

Like many of the finest sci fi authors, Neal Stephenson has a serious scientific background. Both of his parents were serious academic scientists, and Stephenson himself studies geography and physics at University. This scientific rigor can be found throughout his work, as one of the hallmarks of a Neal Stephenson story is a lot of scientifically thorough conceptual detail.

Has Neal Stephenson published in multiple styles?

Yes, one of the interesting features of Stephenson’s career is his track record of publishing in a wide range of different styles. As well as the science fiction he is best known for, Stephenson has published works of historical fiction, and has also dabbled with humor. 

However, Stephenson is probably best known for his techcentric works of sci fi, with a particular proficiency in the cyberpunk and nanotech subgenres. Snow Crash and The Diamond Age are two of his best-loved works of this type.

Has Stephenson ever published under a pen name?

Interestingly, Stephenson collaborated with the author George Jewsbury under a joint pen name, ‘Stephen Bury’, for their collaborative work Interface. The novel has since been re-released and credited to the true authors.

Is there any Neal Stephenson nonfiction work, or does he publish only fiction?

Neal Stephenson is a respected academic and has published nonfiction accordingly. Some of his work can be found in Wired, and he has also featured in heavyweight discussions, including those with major technologists including none other than Bill Gates.

Get These Best Neal Stephenson Books for Free!

Ready to enjoy your next Neal Stephenson title? No worries, here are a couple of ways you can do precisely that for free.

1. Signup with Audible's One Month Free Trial: By signing up for Audible's free month trial you can download any two books you choose for free. If you decide you like Audible then you can pay a small monthly fee of $14.95 and get one book a month. If you decide you do not like Audible you can cancel your trial and keep your two free books.

2. If you want to try something other than Audible you could also try Playster. Playster's One Month Free Trial works with either ebooks or audiobooks. You can pay for a membership at $14.95 per month and receive unlimited books. However Playster does not offer as many book options. If you would like to listen to all of Playsters books you will need to use the premium which is $29.95. ]

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