In these essays, various researchers in computer science, architecture, the visual arts, philosophy, and anthropology describe their personal views of the present and future directions of computer systems that produce “artificial realities.” As the editor reminds us, the word “cyberspace” first appeared in William Gibson’s award-winning novel Neuromancer [1] to describe “an infinite artificial world where humans navigate in information-based space.” More simply stated, cyberspace is a description of the ultimate computer three-dimensional simulation, one that has the effect of putting the user inside the model. Having defined cyberspace, the book then discusses the past, present, and future context of this phenomenon in chapters 1 through 9. Chapter 10 describes a few existing systems. Finally, the book predicts what will occur in the future (in chapters 11, 13, 14, and 15).

The reader should be aware that this book is not an introduction to the field, nor is it a survey of existing systems. Rather, this book is a philosophical, sometimes even religious, discussion of the implications of cyberspace and its effect upon our world. For example, one of the authors envisions a time when our bodies will be made obsolete because we will be given the ability to project any type of physical appearance. Another author believes that ultimate freedom will result from our continued use of artificial systems. Although more applied discussions occur in the second half of the book, they are limited to descriptions of future systems or “systems that might be.” The book gives only a few hints, perhaps two chapters, about working systems that currently exist in the marketplace.

It is also unfortunate that none of the authors seem interested in fully exploring the uses of and the problems with artificial realities. Although Meredith Bricken describes a few interface issues, none of the authors seem willing to admit that cyberspace is a simulated, not a real, world. Some of the questions that should have been asked are: How does one remind users that they are in an artificial world? How does one protect against abuses of these systems, especially since most people put great trust in their vision systems? and Why would one want such a system, other than for education, entertainment, or war? Although several attempts are made to answer the last question, none of them is especially convincing.

In summary, this book is for science fiction addicts who read the book Neuromancer and came to believe. Such readers will find this work a welcome continuation of a voyage that they have already begun. Unfortunately, this book is not for new converts or hardened atheists. Those readers will want a more applied book, one that both introduces and documents the possibilities of the new world.