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When I learned about what steampunk was I began looking for a book in the genre to read. Through my searches this book kept coming up. The Difference Engine by William Gibson is considered by some to be the first proper steampunk novel. While Jules Vern and H. G. Wells have books that most consider steampunk they are more science fiction of the time. Gibson’s work is true steampunk, and alternate history where there was a technology boom born around mechanical marvels and steam. While there is plenty of steampunk technology with explanations around the how’s and why’s of it’s being the technology doesn’t bury the story. What makes this book so good is that the story drives and is compelling with or without the steampunk elements. The technology is believable and historically based. The characters are varied and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to any steampunk fan without hesitation.