Steampunk
Steampunk is a genre of fiction that usually takes place in Victorian times or, more generally, any pre-modern time with significant industrial revolution aspects. Often in homage to H. G. Wells or Jules Verne. Works may be science fiction or fantastic.
Names
The term was apparently coined by K. W. Jeter.
Related or synonymous terms (mostly taken from Steampunk FAQ at Brass Goggles) include:
- Victorian Science Fiction or VSF
- Gaslamp Fantasy
- Steampulp
- Fireside Science Fiction
- Neo-Victoriania; Elegant Gothic Lolita
- Wild/Weird West
- Voyages Extraordinaire
- Scientific Romance
Works
- Michael Moorcock, The Warlord of the Air (1971) and sequels
- K. W. Jeter's Morlock Night (1979) and Infernal Devices: A Mad Victorian Fantasy
- Tim Powers, The Anubis Gates (1983)
- James Blaylock, Homunculus (1986)
- William Gibson & Bruce Sterling, The Difference Engine (1990)
- K. J. Bishop, The Etched City (2003)
- Katsuhiro Otomo, "Steamboy" (2004)
- Wendy Walker, The Secret Service
- Kaja Foglio and Phil Foglio, "Girl Genius" (described as "Gaslamp Fantasy")
- Alan Moore & Kevin O'Neill's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (comic series)