Rating: 
Summary: Beyond visionary, although a difficult read.
Review: The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson was one of the most insightful an original books I've read in a long time. After a brief absence from the world of science fiction, I picked this book up, almost entirely because of my love for his earlier novel, Snow Crash. In Snow Crash, Stephenson gave us a view of a future not all that far away. The technology of the Diamond Age takes us into the very distant future. On the Earth of the Diamond Age, mankind has developed and perfected the concept of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is based around the concept of using microscopic computers to allow people to literally make anything possible. Often times, the tricky part of designing an object is making it heavier than air so it won't float away. Matter compilers can create any object with the proper program, and a pair of wooden chopsticks has flashing advertisements running up and down their sides. As backlash to this technological heaven, the elite members of society borrow their culture from the British during the Victorian era. These Victorians -or Vicky's, as some derogatorily refer to them- place value in items that are hand made, and pay exorbitant amounts of money for such items. This novel varies from many typical science fiction novels, in that its focus is not on the technology or the rich, but rather on a single girl from a dysfunctional family in one of the poorest parts of the world. Nell, comes across one of three copies of the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, a book of sorts intended to educate a young girl. This book, while itself not a technological marvel, displays a true ingenuity in its content, as any good book. Through the use of this book, Nell is taught the lessons that one misses in school, the lessons that truly allow one to become successful in life. Through the characters and the primer, the reader gets many insights on what makes a person special. Reading through other people's reviews of this novel, I see that I am not unanimously supported in my opinion of this novel. Many people cited its length and lengthy description as the book's downfalls. I can understand these comments, although in all honesty, to eliminate the details would eliminate any science fiction this book had and reduce it to merely a trashy sci-fi pulp novel. Clearly, Stephensons' goal is to accomplish far more than a simple adventure. In my eyes at least, the best of science fiction is to envision brave new worlds and use the different setting to critique our own society. Those who want a book they don't have to think about, will not enjoy this book. For them, there are summer movies and Dean Koontz. One person felt the characters were dull and two-dimensional, which I found to be an entirely bogus comment. Each character is full of his or her own quirks and agendas. From the exceptionally rich Victorian technology tycoon to the Neil's thug-like yet compassionate older brother, the characters all manage to be completely original and completely realistic. Most importantly, each character inspires a bit of emotion in the reader. One is disgusted with Neil's mother and sympathetic for Nell. So, while some readers found the characters to be a fault, I found them to help draw the readers into the novel and provide the reader a familiar point so they don't get lost in the futuristic world. After all, unlike technology and trends, people for the most part do not change. In his first novel, Snow Crash, Stephenson proved that he is perfectly capable of crafting an exciting adventure story. However, Snow Crash had nowhere near the insight or vision that he achieves in the Diamond Age. In the Diamond Age, Stephenson holds nothing back, and refuses to dumb down his book to make it an easy read. It is definitely difficult for anyone not into pure science fiction. However, anyone who makes it through the book, will find an entirely elaborate world and many insights to our own world, ranging from critiques of modern education to the depressing lack of subversiveness in our culture. Those that enjoy the true science fiction genre, will find this book to be nothing short of brilliant.
Rating: 
Summary: A work of near future art
Review: An outstanding piece of work. The diamond age is one of those special near-future sci-fi books that will be remembered. What makes it special is the complete originality and visionary images Stephenson presents. The story unwinds with alarming depth and texture, beautifully written with an artistic edge. The story concepts are new and may take a little getting used to; but once comfortable with Stephenson's writing style, the reader will be taken on a truely imaginative journey. Readers looking for a cheap cyberpunk thrill will be dissapointed. The diamond age is much deeper.
Rating:
Summary: Unique and original
Review: This book is original. I picked this book up hoping that it would be as good a read as Snow Crash was. What I found was a jewel. I was hooked from page one and found myself totally amazed that any writer could come up with such an amazing, original work. Please read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Wow! So original!
Review: Such exciting ideas and little political asides which I found delightful. Even the undeveloped ideas were interesting...I'm refering to this damned dreamer business..(????) Anyway, after reading some of the bad reviews, I must say the curse of our age is this ease of writing when so many of us don't really know how to read.I mean, read for tone and between the lines. Readers used to be better, Mr Stephenson. Take heart and do more of whatever the meditative thing you are doing...it clearly sets your imagination free. More! -An old lady fan
Rating: 
Summary: What a let down after reading Snow Crash....
Review: I was very disappointed when I started reading this book. It is way to surreal for me. I have really enjoyed all his other books. Snow Crash was first rate and Zodiac made me want to be an eco-warrior but this book...OY.....I couldn't even finish it.
Rating:
Summary: Loved the book, great ideas creatively expressed
Review: I couldn't get enough of this book. Neal's ideas are futuristic, fun and well written. The book was a pleasure to read.
Rating:
Summary: A long, dreary road to a salvageable ending
Review: After reading Cryptonomicon and Snow Crash, I jumped right into Diamond Age with enthusiasm. Based on those two books, I felt that this author could not possible write anything short of outstanding. How wrong I was! Diamond Age began with pathetically uninteresting characters in a future that makes me want to run off and live in the woods. I know that Stephenson likes to paint dreary pictures of the future in which technology does not solve all our problems, but it is the ridiculous cultural setting as well as the tech that ruins this book. The book is waaaay too long, incorporating about 100 times more of the Primer than is necessary to make the story interesting. I must say that he does salvage it somewhat in the end, with an interesting finish.
Rating: 
Summary: Reading binary code is slightly less interesting.
Review: Mr. Stephenson is a technological visionary. He describes vividly a possible future. But description is his downfall...it drags on and on and on with little concern for plot or characterization. Admittedly I could only stomach the first 100 pages before I had to give it up. It simply wasn't making a whole lot of sense...and I graduated with a minor in computer programming. Frankly, I think Stephenson is one of those authors where people think it's cool to say they read, like they're smarter than the rest of us. Stephenson is very bright, but he's not a writer. A writer, specifically sci-fi writing, incorporates compelling characters and stories with technology. Stephenson nails 1 out of three. If he can get the other two down, if even in small measure, he'd be a stunning writer.
Rating:
Summary: Stephenson has imagination, but no craft
Review: Imangining interesting gadgets and how they might affect society are his only greatness. He does not understand story, and he does not understand people. If he learns the craft of story, he may yet be great. Until then he's an interesting might-have-been.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: Having read Snow crash already, I picked up the Diamond Age with no hesitation. I knew I would be in for a rip-roaring good story that would teach and entertain me at the same time. I was not disappointed. Stephenson's knack for incorporating the details of his obviously extensive research without coming off as a pedagogue is unparalleled. The book falls short of five stars for its ending, though, which seems rushed compared to the attention to detail given the rest of the novel. Nevertheless, that's a small quibble for a novel by which I was consistently challenged -- and rewarded for the effort. When it was finished, I was a bit saddened because this was one of those rare novels I wanted to spend more time with when it had come round to its conclusion. Incidentally, the cover art on the British edition is much better than what's shown here.
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