Steampunk: a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan “What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.” It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes.
in Urban Dictionary
I’ve only recently discovered that steampunk it’s actually a genre, but I’ve always been instinctively attracted to that type of atmosphere. I’m interested in knowing more, so decided to go deeper into it in 2011, specially since I haven’t found a novel as good as my favorite steampunk graphic novels and anime movies. So if you have recommendations, please let me know. Already on my radar:
- Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
- The Steampunk Trilogy by Paul di Filippo
- Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
- Larklight by David Wyatt
What I really like about steampunk is the aesthetic component. If well done it completely stimulates the areas in my brain for imagination, adventure, romance and beauty. Steampunk also fits with my love of art-nouveau and other late-XIX and early-XX century glass-and-metal architecture. Train stations and greenhouses in particular fascinate me and I could be hours just soaking in the environment at Antwerp Central or St Pancras.
Because it’s so visual, steampunk adjusts well to all types of channels: books, graphic novels, movies, anime, design, illustration, fashion and architecture. (Question: on impulse I would say that steampunk would attract more male followers, would that be right? Note to self: investigate)
Most people read/watch steampunk without actually categorizing it as such, but lately it;s been picking up steam (no pun intended :)), and making a name for itself. In October 2009 Tor.com had a Steampunk Month, Oxford’s Museum of the History of Science had an exhibition on steampunk which ended in Feb 2010, and the TV series Castle will have a steampunk episode (called “Punk”) that promises to be memorable. Reading the advanced reviews really made me want to attend a meeting of aficionados.
In the book blogging world, The Bookkeeper is organizing a Steampunk Challenge, which I’ll join in 2011.
A couple of recommendations
Graphic Novels
These are actually my two favorite graphic novel series of all time, they just happen to be both steampunk.
- A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill
Especially satisfying for lovers of Victorian literature as it’s completely full of (more or less) obscure references. - The Cities of the Fantastic (Les Cités Obscures) by François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters
Not very famous outside the French-Belgian graphic novel world. Schuiter is the son of two architects and you can tell by his attention to architectonic detail. Think Twilight Zone meets Victor Horta meets Jules Verne.
Anime
… and these are all by Studio Ghibli
- Howl’s Moving Castle, which I liked more than the book (sorry, I know there’s some hard-core Diana Wynne Jones fans out there)
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- Laputa, Castle in the Sky
The Sleepless Reader 
11 comments
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October 13, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Redhead
Steampunk aesthetic + Miyazaki = pure awesome.
“Question: on impulse I would say that steampunk would attract more male followers, would that be right? Note to self: investigate)”
mmm, I’d guess it’s either more evenly split, or it attracts more women. I’ve been seeing an increase in niche fan sites for steampunk jewelry, clothing, and romancy/PNR stuff, with much the female following. I think women who may have thought “fantasy and SF are for boys!” are suddenly finding steampunky stuff that’s being made just for them.
October 14, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Alex
Miyazaki rules (Alex hums “Ponyo, Ponyo” song)!
I agree that the aesthetic side is very appealing to women. Steampunk jewellery, that sounds good! Any recommendation for sites?
October 14, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Teresa C
From the bit I know of the fandom, it is the corsets actually which are the biggest thing :p one must admit it´s a really good excuse to spend lots of money in a good corset.
October 13, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Teresa C
Don´t even think of trying Steamed by Katie MacAlister (unspeakably bad) or the new whatitstitle book by Cassandra Clare ( really bad).
There is tremendous hype in the blogspher for the Iron Duke by Meljean Brooks, just out now, but that hype is pushing all my overhype buttons, and the reviews I read make me think it will not be my cup of Lady Grey.
Otherwise, China Mieville and Jeff Vandermeer maybe. Maybe even Neal Stephenson´s Diamong Age which is awesome and from way back when you could not kill people by dropping one of his hardcovers on their head (though it is from so way back when he could not write an ending and did not realize it yet).
October 14, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Alex
It seems I found an expert 🙂 I’ll be picking your brain a lot for ideas, but meanwhile I’ll add those names to the list I’m compilling. Many thanks!
Have you read Stephen Hunt? I read Court in the Air, but wasn’t very convinved – was wondering if the next in the series are better.
October 15, 2010 at 9:05 am
Joanna
I have NEVER heard of this. But it sounds like something I’d like, I’ll research some of the recommendations you mentioned and see if anything appeals to me!
Do you think you have to be into the art side of it to appreciate it?
October 20, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Jodie
The Women of Nell Gwynne’s by Kage Baker is excellent and now being reissued in a handy, affordabe edition called Nell Gwynne’s Scarlet Spy. If you like the aesthetic feel and a good mystery then The Affinity Bridge by George Mann might be a good fit. Really I should just point you in the direction of steam punk week at The Booksmugglers: http://thebooksmugglers.com/category/smuggler-specialties/steampunk-week-smuggler-specialties whcih has lots of handy recs.
October 23, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Alex
Thanks for the recommendations, I’ve added a lot of them to my Book Depository wishlist! I’m so glad to know that there are other steampunk fans among the bloggers I follow.
October 21, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Falaise
You should try “Nomads of the Time Stream” by Michael Moorcock. He has been called the “Godfather of steampunk”. Actuallu, I’d recommend most of what he writes (although he writes in different genres).
October 23, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Alex
So you’re a steampunk fan as well? I’ll definitely also add this one to the wishlist! Many thanks!
October 25, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Falaise
More a dabbler but I’ve always liked Moorcock and I do like China Mieville too. Actually, when it really comes down to it, I’ll read most genres other than romance!