Cryptonomicon

In 'Cryptonomicon' by Neal Stephenson, a thrilling dual narrative unfolds, intertwining the lives of World War II codebreakers and modern-day tech entrepreneurs. As secrets of cryptography and treasure hunting are unveiled, readers are plunged into a world of espionage, conspiracy, and digital innovation. The quest for a hidden cache of gold leads to deep explorations of information theory and its implications on society. With a cast of vibrant characters, the story weaves humor, intellect, and suspense into a tapestry that challenges our understanding of trust and technology. Can the past’s mysteries illuminate the future, or will the pursuit of knowledge lead to chaos?

By Neal Stephenson

Published: 2000

CryptonomiconBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

The Singularity Is NearBook binding

The Singularity Is Near

Ray Kurzweil

Homo DeusBook binding

Homo Deus

Yuval Noah Harari

Bitcoin BillionairesBook binding

Bitcoin Billionaires

Ben Mezrich

AI SuperpowersBook binding

AI Superpowers

Kai-Fu Lee

Life 3.0Book binding

Life 3.0

Max Tegmark

The State of the ArtBook binding

The State of the Art

Iain Banks

You Look Like a Thing and I Love YouBook binding

You Look Like a Thing and I Love You

Janelle Shane

This Will Change EverythingBook binding

This Will Change Everything

John Brockman

AbundanceBook binding

Abundance

Steven Kotler, Peter H. Diamandis

But how Do it Know?Book binding

But how Do it Know?

J. Clark Scott

Snow CrashBook binding

Snow Crash

Neal Stephenson

Humans Need Not ApplyBook binding

Humans Need Not Apply

Jerry Kaplan

Machines of Loving GraceBook binding

Machines of Loving Grace

John Markoff

Across RealtimeBook binding

Across Realtime

Vernor Vinge

Turing's CathedralBook binding

Turing's Cathedral

George Dyson

Tools and WeaponsBook binding

Tools and Weapons

Brad Smith, Carol Ann Browne

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant TechnologiesBook binding

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies

Andrew McAfee, Erik Brynjolfsson

BoldBook binding

Bold

Steven Kotler, Peter H. Diamandis

2001: a Space OdysseyBook binding

2001: a Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke

Pattern RecognitionBook binding

Pattern Recognition

William Gibson

NeuromancerBook binding

Neuromancer

William Gibson

Where is My Flying Car?Book binding

Where is My Flying Car?

J. Storrs Hall

Zero KBook binding

Zero K

Don DeLillo

Kill DecisionBook binding

Kill Decision

Daniel Suarez

Little BrotherBook binding

Little Brother

Cory Doctorow

100 PlusBook binding

100 Plus

Sonia Arrison

Kill ProcessBook binding

Kill Process

William Hertling

The PeripheralBook binding

The Peripheral

William Gibson

24/6Book binding

24/6

Tiffany Shlain

The Master AlgorithmBook binding

The Master Algorithm

Pedro Domingos

Book Collections you might like →

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.

View Collection
Zooko Wilcox's Book Recommendations

Zooko Wilcox's Book Recommendations

Zooko Wilcox is a prominent figure in the field of cryptography and digital currency, best known for founding the privacy-focused cryptocurrency Zcash. With a deep expertise in decentralized systems, he has significantly contributed to the development of secure and private online communications. Wilcox's work extends beyond just technology; he has authored numerous influential papers and articles on cryptographic protocols and privacy. His commitment to privacy and security has garnered him respect and recognition within the tech community. Zooko continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in digital privacy, making his mark as both an innovator and a thought leader.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

View Collection
Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and the CEO of X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation lab dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies. Often referred to as "Captain of Moonshots," Teller leads a team focused on tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through radical solutions. Under his leadership, X has worked on projects like self-driving cars (Waymo), internet balloons (Loon), and delivery drones (Wing). Teller holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and has a deep background in science and technology, blending his technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He is a proponent of a fail-fast approach, encouraging experimentation and learning from failure as integral parts of the innovation process. Teller’s work at X has placed him at the forefront of the tech world’s quest for transformative technologies. Outside of his work at X, he is an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction, and is an advocate for the future of AI and robotics.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.

View Collection
Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams is an American entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Twitter and Medium. Williams has a long history in the tech industry, having co-founded Blogger, one of the first blogging platforms, which was later acquired by Google. His work has significantly shaped online communication, giving people platforms to share their thoughts and ideas globally. Williams’ focus on simplicity and user experience has been a hallmark of his career. He continues to lead Medium, a platform that champions quality content and thoughtful discourse.

View Collection
Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, best known for his book The 4-Hour Workweek, which advocates for designing a lifestyle of financial and personal freedom through efficiency and outsourcing. He has written several other books, including Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors, compiling lessons from interviews with high achievers across industries. Ferriss’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, is one of the most popular in the world, where he interviews leaders and influencers about their habits, strategies, and personal development. He is known for his emphasis on productivity, health, and optimizing performance.

View Collection
Raoul Pal's Book Recommendations

Raoul Pal's Book Recommendations

Raoul Pal is a British economist, investment strategist, and co-founder of Real Vision, a financial media company that provides in-depth analysis of global markets and economies. Pal is known for his insights on macroeconomics, cryptocurrency, and investment trends, often sharing his expertise through interviews, reports, and documentaries. Before founding Real Vision, Pal worked at Goldman Sachs and managed a global macro hedge fund. He is a strong advocate for decentralized finance (DeFi) and frequently discusses the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. His forward-thinking perspectives on finance have earned him a large following among investors and financial professionals.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions