(FAQ). "What is steampunk?" Going beyond the standard default definitions of "Victorian science fiction," "yesterday's tomorrow today," or some other equally vague or limited description, Steampunk FAQ provides a historical exploration of its literary and cinematic origins. The journey begins with a look at steampunk's genesis in the novels and short stories of three Californians who hung out a lot with Philip K. Dick, before moving on to the inspirations and antecedents of steampunk. Contrary to what many articles and books say, steampunk's direct inspiration is arguably far more cinematic than literary, a likely reaction to the many film adaptations, pastiches, and knockoffs of the scientific romances of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. While Verne, Wells, and a host of other Victorian and Edwardian writers have influenced steampunk fiction, cinematic elements from films such as Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) and George Pal's Time Machine (1960) show up more often as immediate influences on the style we call steampunk. In offering a celebration of steampunk's style and cultural aesthetic, Steampunk FAQ also explores its connection to cyberpunk, the world of fashion, comics, and culture around the world.

From the great minds who brought you A Steampunk's Guide to the Apocalypse now comes A Steampunk's Guide to Sex. Your guide to the sexy side of steampunk, covering everything from kinky Victorian sexuality to contemporary subcultural sex. Covers such hot topics as erotica, sex work, burlesque, BDSM, alternative sexualities, consent, sexual health, sex devices, and historical attitudes on sex; plus how-to guides on DIY floggers, steam-powered vibrators, Victorian aphrodisiacs, and more! Profusely illustrated with steampunk erotic diagrams, illustrations, and tintypes!

This comprehensive guide to Steampunk creations of all kinds offers inspiration and practical tips for bringing your own retro-futuristic visions to life. Whether you’re a newbie to the world of Steampunk, or a long-time enthusiast of airships, goggles, and mad scientists, The Steampunk User’s Manual is essential reading. The popular subgenre of science fiction has grown into a cultural movement; one that invites fans to let their imaginations go wild. In this volume, Jeff VanderMeer—the renowned expert in all things Steampunk—presents a practical and inspirational guidance for finding your own path into this realm. Including sections on art, fashion, architecture, crafts, music, performance, and storytelling, The Steampunk User's Manual provides a conceptual how-to guide on everything from the utterly doable to the completely over-the-top.

A courageous future lies ahead of us. We wave goodbye, on no uncertain terms, to the invisible workings of the cyberian world. Our future lies in an honest technology, a technology that is within our reach, a technology that will not abandon us, a technology that requires not the dark oils of subterranean caverns. Consider this book to be your boon companion during the trying times that lie ahead. No single tome--no matter how voluminous--could be complete, of course, but this little handbook should aid in keeping you fed, watered, clothed, and protected from the myriad hazards of weather, human, and beast.

"The science-fiction genre known as steampunk juxtaposes futuristic technologies with Victorian settings. This fantasy is becoming reality at the intersection of two scientific fields-twenty-first-century quantum physics and nineteenth-century thermodynamics, or the study of energy-in a discipline known as quantum steampunk"--

The gateway to the intoxicating experience of the subculture, steampunk fashion has an element of interest for almost everyone, whether they're a history buff, craft creator, or giddy free spirit. Though it sprawls across literature, music, art, film, and more, steampunk - a sort of retro-futuristic Victorian fantasyland - is a movement most easily recognizable, especially for those unfamiliar with it, by its fashion. Now that the subculture is chugging full steam ahead onto the radar of the general public, it's important to remember and embrace the depth behind steampunk style; we can't have the whole aesthetic become irrigated by canals of triteness, after all. But if steampunk style is more than just goggles and gears, what is it?