Science fiction · Historical · Thriller
Cryptonomicon
Two timelines follow a codebreaker in the Second World War and his grandson, a computer expert, in the dot-com era. Both are tied to a hidden fortune and a plan to build a secure data haven.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1999
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 1152
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you enjoy very long, nerdy novels full of cryptography, history and digressions, with dry humour.
Skip this if you want a tight plot, since it wanders widely and takes its time.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Cryptonomicon
- What is Cryptonomicon about?
- Two timelines follow a codebreaker in the Second World War and his grandson, a computer expert, in the dot-com era. Both are tied to a hidden fortune and a plan to build a secure data haven.
- Who should read Cryptonomicon?
- Read it if you enjoy very long, nerdy novels full of cryptography, history and digressions, with dry humour. Skip it if you want a tight plot, since it wanders widely and takes its time.
- How long and how fast is Cryptonomicon?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 1152 pages, first published in 1999.
- Does Cryptonomicon have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Cryptonomicon for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Cryptonomicon; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Cryptonomicon?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Snow Crash, Seveneves, Catch-22.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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