Introduction: Strolling Through the Sprawl

The Introduction to William Gibson’s Neuromancer—A Critical Companion provides a brief overview of William Gibson, his central role in the cyberpunk movement, and a snapshot of why Neuromancer remains one of the most consequential science fiction (sf) novels ever written, which in turn justifies its inclusion in the Palgrave Science Fiction and Fantasy: A New Canon series. The Introduction also provides an overview of cyberpunk, including dominant traits and motifs, and summarizes the Neuromancer plot, all while connecting the novel to some of Gibson’s earlier short fiction, before concluding with a summary of what readers can expect in the following chapters. In so doing, William Gibson’s Neuromancer—A Critical Companion will tackle the two fundamental questions of the Palgrave series: First, why does this text matter to science fiction—as a genre, mode of production, cultural and historical phenomenon, and artistic practice? Second, why does (or should) this text matter to sf readers, scholars, and fans? Ultimately, the Introduction to William Gibson’s Neuromancer—A Critical Companion will lay the foundation for the larger argument that Neuromancer has been (and remains!) a touchstone for shaping ongoing discussions and explorations of the complexities of our socio-technocultural age.