>Man, we *were* seperated at birth <s> I was actually going to suggest that particular book.
>
>Two others that I think would appeal to a lot of folks here are "The Diamond Age" (also Stephenson) and "The Difference Engine" ( Gibson )
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Difference_Engine

The Difference Engine is one of the best pieces of SF I ever read. The only one comparable in this particular subgenre is Pratchett's "Going postal".

>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diamond_Age

Good... next on my list. As soon as I find the time to read what I already bought ;).