Count Zero

File:Gibson sprawl.jpg

The Sprawl trilogy, of which Count Zero is the second part

Count Zero (ISBN 0441117732) is a science fiction novel written by William Gibson, originally published in 1986. A prime example of the cyberpunk sub-genre, it is set in the same milieux as Gibson's prior novel Neuromancer, and forms the middle volume of The Sprawl trilogy, which includes Neuromancer, Count Zero, and Mona Lisa Overdrive.

Eight years after the events of Neuromancer, strange things begin to happen in The Matrix, leading to the proliferation of what appear to be voodoo gods.

Two incredibly powerful multinational (and extending to outerspace) corporations are engaged in a battle for control over a powerful new technology (a biochip) using hackers and the Matrix as well as espionage and gun-play.

The title of the book, other than being the pseudonym of the main character Bobby Newmark, is also a word-play on the programming term count zero. In a loop, a counter typically reaches a zero value therefore exiting the loop.

There are three main characters/storylines: Turner, set out to 'shift' Mitchell to the Hosaka Corporation; Marly, engaged by Virek to find the creator of the Cornell boxes, and Bobby (Count Zero) who flatlines while hacking a corporate computer. The three come together in the end, of course.

External Links

Cornell Boxes (images)