"The Confusion" is a historical novel by author Neal Stephenson, part of the Baroque Cycle trilogy. Set in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, it explores the intertwining lives of various characters against the backdrop of significant events in Europe and the Americas, including the rise of commerce and the development of modern science. The narrative follows multiple storylines, featuring characters such as Jack Shaftoe, a vagabond, and Eliza, Countess de la Zeur, a resourceful woman navigating the complexities of society. The book delves into themes of economics, politics, and the impact of the Enlightenment on human thought and culture.