The genre of fiction which is generally referred to as 'steampunk' became formally recognised as a genre in the last 15 years or so of the 20th century. Anyone who has not come across the term before may well wonder what factors define steam punk books. Newcomers should expect a rich and imaginative mix of science fiction, horror, fantasy and historical fiction. The genre has also inspired a style of clothing and a whole culture centred on its themes and ideas.
The genre really defines itself by being set in the past, or alternative versions of the past, usually the 19th century. Stories are ften set in Victorian Britain or Wild West America. Real events are sometimes blended with fantasy, or real figures from the past appear in vastly different settings, reminiscent of speculative fiction.
This focus on imagined pasts means that the use of anachronistic technologies are explored, such as steam powered airships or computers. This is actually where the team steampunk was derived from. The combination of 19th century settings with futuristic and alternative technologies is really the defining feature of the whole genre.
This means that readers of the genre who are new to it should not be surprised if they come across 19th century space travellers or a kind of steam powered internet. The clash of styles makes for some really imaginative settings and plots. Victorian characters are engaged in often surreal acts, more appropriate for later eras of history or even the future.
While the term steampunk is believed to be derived from 'cyberpunk', another genre of science fiction, many writers prior to that era incorporated elements of steampunk into their works. H G Wells, for example, can be held up as an inspiration for much of the genre. Visual artists such as Remedios Varo helped to shape the visual iconography of the genre.
Mervyn Peake with his 'Titus' series of novels also helped to pave the way for much contemporary fiction in the genre. Many contemporary authors working in more mainstream fields also tend to include elements of steampunk in their work. British writer Phillip Pullman is one best-selling writer who takes some inspiration from steampunk in this way, as is Texan author Scott Westerfield.
The genre has also been inspired by the works of certain film makers. The 1985 film 'Brazil' by director Terry Gilliam provided much of what has become seen as standard visual style in the genre. The movie's combination of a dystopian vision of a future society with advanced technology in a timeless era which recalled the Victorian era really took the ideas behind the genre to a wider audience.
Someone unfamiliar with steam punk books who wants to explore the genre further should be ready for anything in their pages. This is a imaginative and often surreal brand of fiction where almost anything can happen. Expect to see real people such as Arthur Conan Doyle or the Duke of Wellington appear in fantastic flying machines, and you will not be far off.
The genre really defines itself by being set in the past, or alternative versions of the past, usually the 19th century. Stories are ften set in Victorian Britain or Wild West America. Real events are sometimes blended with fantasy, or real figures from the past appear in vastly different settings, reminiscent of speculative fiction.
This focus on imagined pasts means that the use of anachronistic technologies are explored, such as steam powered airships or computers. This is actually where the team steampunk was derived from. The combination of 19th century settings with futuristic and alternative technologies is really the defining feature of the whole genre.
This means that readers of the genre who are new to it should not be surprised if they come across 19th century space travellers or a kind of steam powered internet. The clash of styles makes for some really imaginative settings and plots. Victorian characters are engaged in often surreal acts, more appropriate for later eras of history or even the future.
While the term steampunk is believed to be derived from 'cyberpunk', another genre of science fiction, many writers prior to that era incorporated elements of steampunk into their works. H G Wells, for example, can be held up as an inspiration for much of the genre. Visual artists such as Remedios Varo helped to shape the visual iconography of the genre.
Mervyn Peake with his 'Titus' series of novels also helped to pave the way for much contemporary fiction in the genre. Many contemporary authors working in more mainstream fields also tend to include elements of steampunk in their work. British writer Phillip Pullman is one best-selling writer who takes some inspiration from steampunk in this way, as is Texan author Scott Westerfield.
The genre has also been inspired by the works of certain film makers. The 1985 film 'Brazil' by director Terry Gilliam provided much of what has become seen as standard visual style in the genre. The movie's combination of a dystopian vision of a future society with advanced technology in a timeless era which recalled the Victorian era really took the ideas behind the genre to a wider audience.
Someone unfamiliar with steam punk books who wants to explore the genre further should be ready for anything in their pages. This is a imaginative and often surreal brand of fiction where almost anything can happen. Expect to see real people such as Arthur Conan Doyle or the Duke of Wellington appear in fantastic flying machines, and you will not be far off.
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