About the book: 2007 / Alchemy and hermetic. "Royal art" and "art of kings." A mysterious science that connected magicians and adventurers, philosophers and warlocks in a strong chain. Alchemists were either accepted as equals or burned at the stake of the Holy Inquisition. Here is the story of one of the LAST ALCHEMISTS of Europe. A story of secrets and adventures, miracles and mystical discoveries. A stunning intellectual fantasy that reveals to the reader a NEW FACE of Neal Stevenson's talent!