Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction literature. It’s retrofuturistic, meaning it shows “depictions of the future created in an earlier era.” Specifically, steampunk incorporates steam-powered technology of the Victorian era in an alternate history (often 19th century Britain or the American Wild West) or fantasy world. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne are obvious influences.

The term “steampunk” first appeared in 1987, but it has been applied retroactively. Science fiction author K.W. Jeter proposed the term as a tongue-in-cheek variant of “cyberpunk,” a subgenre set in a future dystopia that includes advanced technology such as artificial intelligence.

I got thinking about steampunk because I recently read a YA novel called Airborn (2004), where people travel the world in luxury airships buoyed by a lighter-than-air gas called hydrium. In this alternate universe the oceans are called the Atlanticus and the Pacificus, while other parts of the world (like Paris and Sydney) retain their names.

Outside of literature the label steampunk is also applied to clothing styles, an artistic aesthetic, movies, and video games.

Steampunk style fuses current technology with a Victorian aesthetic. “Imagine a top of the range computer pimped out to look like an old typewriter, or an iPhone dock that lets you answer your phone using an old brass and wood receiver.” It includes an interest in materials like brass, wood, and glass and a love of DIY and upcycling old things.

Steampunk fashion incorporates Victorian articles of clothing like petticoats, corsets, waistcoats, and bowler hats, and accessories like parasols and driving goggles. You’ll also see the influence of goths, pirates, and burlesque.

I wouldn’t be opposed to reading another steampunk novel, but I don’t think you’ll catch me dressing up in steampunk garb anytime soon!

Sources

• “What the Hell is Steampunk?” via HuffPost
• “Steampunk” via Wikipedia