Early alternative-history SF. A good story with plenty of background detail, although the ending is reasonably predictable. The idea of a Haggershaven is looking increasingly attractive.
Interestingly, the author seems to consistently drop apostrophes from some contractions ("didnt", "couldnt", "Ive", "isnt", "wasnt", "youre") but not others ("I'd", "can't", "don't", "let's", "there's", "that's") -- I haven't yet puzzled out what the rule he's using is.
ISBN 1857987640.