The Difference Engine

Style and Technique

"The Difference Engine" by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling is a vivid example of the steampunk genre, blending elements of science fiction and alternate history. The book's style is characterized by detailed descriptions of the Victorian era, where technology evolves based on mechanical computing machines. The authors use a complex and rich language that conveys the 19th-century atmosphere, with a focus on technical details and social changes. Literary techniques include elements of detective and political thriller, creating tension and intrigue. The narrative structure is nonlinear, with multiple storylines that intertwine and interact, creating a multi-layered narrative. Gibson and Sterling skillfully use historical allusions and real historical figures, adding depth and plausibility to the alternate world they have created.