Anathem
Now, in a stand-alone novel that marks his triumphant return to science fiction, the bestselling author of Cryptonomicon and The Baroque Cycle delivers an electrifying new adventure about a strange and elaborate culture caught up in crisis of cosmic proportions.
Since childhood, Raz has lived behind the walls of a 3,400-year-old monastery, a sanctuary for scientists and thinkers. There, he and his cohorts are sealed off from the unpredictable “saecular” world—an endless landscape of casinos and megastores plagued by recurring cycles of booms and busts, dark ages and renaissances, world wars and climate change.
But Raz’s cloistered existence is about to end.
Something is happening in space that has caused the hierarchs to close down the observatories—something they don’t want the saecular world to know about. Driven by fear, they call upon a chosen few to avert an impending catastrophe. But what kind of catastrophe, they do not disclose. Without warning and with only their philosophical wits to guide them, Raz and his friends are thrust on a dangerous mission into the unknown—the roiling, confusing, conflicted world outside the monastery walls…and beyond the sphere of Orth.
Hardcover : 960 pages
Publisher: Morrow ( September 01, 2008 )
Item #: 12-596625
ISBN: 9780061474095
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 inches
Product Weight: 33.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Old and new. Familiar and surprising 
July 11, 2011
This was the book I had been waiting for. A mixing of old styles of isolationism and its inherent dumbing down with scientific inquiry. Stephenson nails the alternate universe what ifs and makes a fun adventure. Unlike many of his other books, he actually finds a way to end this one. Or not. Reminds me of an extended and more entertaining version of 'A Canticle for Leibowitz'.
Reviewer: Jeff
I really wanted to like this book... 
July 14, 2010
I really wanted to like this book, I really did. After all, I'm a fan of Frank Herbert's books. But really, this story went nowhere except for the strange encounter at the end. And that was way too little to late to save this story.
Reviewer: Paula
Awful
July 07, 2010
Those who are full of pretense to intellect will love this book. They won't understand it, but they'll write great reviews. For everyone else - this book will be a total waste of money. It is already in the bargain bin it is so awful.
My one star rating was only because this site will not allow zero stars (or negative, in this case!)
Reviewer: Glenn
His best yet
May 14, 2010
If you have been waiting for Stephenson to go more hard sci-fi and less historical then your wait is over. I have read everything he has written and Anathem now replaces Cryptonomicon as my favorite Stephenson. Superb and thought provoking.
Reviewer: Michael W
Outfreakingstanding!
January 16, 2010
Hands down, one of the best pieces of science fiction written in years! Hadn't even heard of Stephenson prior to seeing the cover of Anathem in one of last year's mailings - but I've since read everything the guy has written, and it's all that good. If you can appreciate an author that actually digs into every detail of the world he is writing about, and takes the time to think of, and relate, second and third order effects of actions taken, then start reading. Stephenson is fast approaching Heinlein as my all-time favorite writer.
Reviewer: Cz
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