The latest magnificent creation from the award-winning author of Cryptonomicon and the Baroque
Cycle trilogy. Erasmas 'Raz' is a young avout living in the Concent a sanctuary for
mathematicians scientists and philosophers. Three times during history's darkest epochs
violence has invaded and devastated the cloistered community. Yet the avout have always managed
to adapt in the wake of catastrophe. But they now prepare to open the Concent's gates to the
outside world in celebration of a once-a-decade rite. Suddenly Erasmas finds himself a major
player in a drama that will determine the future of his world...
