What is Steampunk?

Steampunk is the name given to a genre of fantasy or alternative historical stories – usually set in the 19th century or an alternative future reminiscent of the 19th century – with the science fiction element  containing modern technology powered by steam. The amount of steam and gadgetry is variable. Sometimes supernatural themes may be incorporated.

In reality steampunk is more complex. It is a creative movement re-imagining analog technologies, mechanics and inventions – powered by steam – and set in the industrialised 19th century. It now encompasses not only fiction, but art, fashion, music, cinema/TV and fandom.

The Aesthetic

Google defines aesthetic as a set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.  So how does steampunk actually look and feel? The most obvious is the Victorianesque attire, the gadgets and all pervading gears and goggles. It is what you make it.

 The Writing

The first appearance of the word steampunk was in Locus Magazine in 1987. The term was coined by SF author K W Jeter to define specific speculative fiction works and is a tongue-in-cheek variant on cyberpunk. It is usually a subset of the science fiction or fantasy genres.

Steampunk comes in many flavours, including, but not limited to (which is why I love it!):

For more information, follow this link to karenjcarlisle.com/steampunk

photo: (c)2015 Karen Carlisle.