re: #213 Obdicut

Wonderful fun, and the insight into the social changes brought about by the Enlightenment is brilliant.

No, it’s the insight into the social changes —-and enlightenment —- brought about by the development of MONEY and COMMERCE that is brilliant.

See De Gex’s speech in the 3rd Book, Stephenson delivers his actual message rather nicely by having his villain expound on the opposite.