In the Matrix of cyberspace, angels and voodoo zaibatsus fight it out for world domination and computer cowboys like Turner and Count Zero risk their minds for fat crumbs. Turner woke up in a new body with a beautiful woman beside him. They let him recuperate for a while in Mexico, then Hosaka reactivated his memory for a mission more dangerous than the one that nearly killed him. The head designer from Maas-Biolabs is defecting to Hosaka, or so he says. Turner has to deliver him safely, and the biochips he invented — which are of supreme interest to other parties, some of whom are not human. Count Zero is human. Indeed, he's just a kid from Barrytown, and totally unprepared for the heavy duty data coming his way when he's caught up in the cyberspace war triggered by the defection. With voodoo on the Net and angels in the software, he can only hope that the megacorps and the superrich have their virtual hands full already. Crammed with intriguing details, this illuminating appraisal of vice and excess in the cradle of democracy delivers a fascinating and engagingly written study of the hedonism that ruled Athens. of photos. |
With this extraordinary first volume in what promises to be an epoch-making masterpiece, Neal Stephenson hacks into the secret histories of nations and the private obsessions of men, decrypting with dazzling virtuosity the forces that shaped this century. Designed to assist the frugal gourmet in capitalizing on seasonal cooking, a collection of 170 recipes arranged in menus covers lamb, cold soups, pasta dishes, stews, desserts, and much more. 50,000 first printing. Tour. France has long been and remains the stronghold of culinary culture. No other country in the world can boast such an immense richness of specialties or comes even close to offering such an extraordinary wealth of noble restaurants, in which thousands of chefs nurture the tradition of grand cuisine and with notable creativity continue to produce new culinary delights. This gastronomic tour demonstrates how landscape, climate, and culture impact France cuisine. Master chefs from all corners of the country have contributed to a new, up-to-date portrait of this nation of gourmands, which includes something for everyone, whether you prefer to enjoy the tastes of France in person or in your own kitchen, or let yourself be enchanted in an entirely new way by the selection of fabulous photographs, enticing recipes, and knowledgeable texts about French cuisine. Those who seek out the land of the Greeks with their souls also like to nourish their bodies a la Greek. In the homeland of Homer, Sophocles, and Plato, where historical-cultural treasures and Mediterranean flair are part of everyday life, the love of good food is an integral element of the culture. This volume of Culinaria leads us from the banquet tables of ancient symposia to the sophisticated arrangements of haute cuisine in the metropolises as well as the simpler fare enjoyed by fishermen, farming families, and shepherds. Naturally, wine, olives, sheep's cheese, fish, and fruits play an important role in Greek dishes. This sensual journey across the mainland and the islands provides a view behind the scenes of Greek culinary culture for fans of this country, in which the Orthodox Easter celebration is just one of the highlights. More than 1,300 colored illustrations on 460 pages as well as numerous authentic recipes make even reading this book an experience for the palate. The "land where lemons bloom" was already a fascinating travel destination long before Goethe identified it as such. The grand culture and varied landscapes of Italy have attracted and inspired artists and writers of every epoch. Since the time of classic "educational trips" to the ancient sites of the Apennine Peninsula, ever-increasing numbers of travelers have developed an affinity to this country and the ars vivendi of its inhabitants. Indeed, the simple and yet ingenious Italian cuisine has become the expression of countless visitors' approach toward life. In 496 pages and more than 1,200 color photographs, Culinaria Italy introduces not only kitchen and cellar, but also the land and people who reside between the Alps' peaks and the pointed toe of the Italian "boot". More than 380 time-tested recipes from every region of the country ensure that a feast for the palate can follow the stimulating reading pleasure. |