The plot of the first and third books focus on Daniel Waterhouse's exploits as a natural philosopher and friend to the young Isaac Newton and his later observations of English politics and religion, respectively. Within the historical context, Stephenson also deals with many themes which pervade his other works, including the exploration of knowledge, communication and cryptography. However, Stephenson alters details such as the members of the Cabal ministry, the historical cabinet of Charles II of England, to facilitate the incorporation of his fictional characters. In order to write the novel, Stephenson researched the period extensively and integrates events and historical themes important to historical scholarship throughout the novel. Though mostly set in England, France, and the United Provinces in the period 1655 through 1673, the first book includes a frame story set in late 1713 Massachusetts. The novel Quicksilver is written in various narrative styles, such as theatrical staging and epistolary, and follows a large group of characters. These internal books were originally independent novels within the greater cycle during composition. In 2006, each internal book was released in separate paperback editions, to make the 900 pages more approachable for readers. Stephenson organized the structure of Quicksilver such that chapters have been incorporated into three internal books titled 'Quicksilver', 'The King of the Vagabonds', and 'Odalisque'. Clarke Award and was nominated for the Locus Award in 2004.

It is the first volume of The Baroque Cycle, his late Baroque historical fiction series, succeeded by The Confusion and The System of the World (both published in 2004). Quicksilver is a historical novel by Neal Stephenson, published in 2003.

Quicksilver by neal stephenson