Neuromancer was released 40 years ago today

Neuromancer is a 1984 science fiction novel by William Gibson, a pioneer in the cyberpunk genre. The story follows Henry Case, a washed-up hacker hired for a final job involving a powerful artificial intelligence. Gibson's early short stories and influences like John Carpenter's Escape from New York shaped the novel's themes and setting. Commissioned for a debut novel series, Gibson faced challenges during the writing process, including concerns about similarities to Blade Runner. The plot unfolds as Case, alongside augmented mercenary Molly Millions, embarks on a mission orchestrated by a mysterious figure named Armitage. As the narrative progresses, secrets about Armitage's true identity and the involvement of artificial intelligences Wintermute and Neuromancer come to light. The story culminates in a complex web of deception, manipulation, and the merging of AI entities. Characters like Case, Molly, Armitage, Peter Riviera, and Lady 3Jane navigate a dystopian world filled with cybernetic enhancements, corporate intrigue, and virtual realities. The novel's intricate plot and vivid portrayal of a future society have solidified its place as a seminal work in the science fiction genre.