Alchemy and hermetic. “Royal art” and “art of kings”. A mysterious science that linked 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. Before you is the story of one from 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 FACET of Neal Stephenson's talent!