I have loved KSR's books over the last 10 years+ or so. especially the Mars series and space dance.  However, he missed the mark on this one, regardless of how well it is written.  And, it is WELL written.  My problem is simple.  Given the lack of a European culture, I find it difficult to believe that the remaining cultures, fascinatingly well described in details and in their own growth history, would have a timeline very similar to ours in most major scientific developments.  How could that be?  Given the very different religious and cultural histories (and their attendant baggage) of the rest of Earth, there is no reason that I can see to postulate such similarity.  Some things far in advance, yes; others later, yes.  However, with all my reading of both history and SF, I can't claim enuff historical knowledge (unknowledge?) to see how the general order foretold here could have happened in that way.  Thus, if you have some understanding of "real" history, ignore that history.  While the thought line jumps around a bit, it is  well written book that is thought-provoking, and worth some of your time.
I have loved KSR's books over the last 10 years+ or so. especially the Mars series and space dance. However, he missed the mark on this one, regardless of how well it is written. And, it is WELL written. My problem is simple. Given the lack of a European culture, I find it difficult to believe that the remaining cultures, fascinatingly well described in details and in their own growth history, would have a timeline very similar to ours in most major scientific developments. How could that be? Given the very different religious and cultural histories (and their attendant baggage) of the rest of Earth, there is no reason that I can see to postulate such similarity. Some things far in advance, yes; others later, yes. However, with all my reading of both history and SF, I can't claim enuff historical knowledge (unknowledge? ) to see how the general order foretold here could have happened in that way. Thus, if you have some understanding of "real" history, ignore that history. While the thought line jumps around a bit, it is  well written book that is thought-provoking, and worth some of your time.