What is Steampunk?

This is a good question that is difficult to answer.

To me, Steampunk has always been first and foremost a literary genre, or least a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that includes social or technological aspects of the 19th century (the steam) usually with some deconstruction of, reimagining of, or rebellion against parts of it (the punk). Unfortunately, it is a poorly defined subgenre, with plenty of disagreement about what is and is not included. For example, steampunk stories may:

  • Take place in the Victorian era but include advanced machines based on 19th century technology (e.g. The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling);
  • Include the supernatural as well (e.g. The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger);
  • Include the supernatural and forego the technology (e.g. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers, one of the works that inspired the term ‘steampunk’);
  • Include the advanced machines, but take place later than the Victorian period, thereby assuming that the predomination by electricity and petroleum never happens (e.g. The Peshawar Lancers by S. M. Stirling); or
  • Take place in an another world altogether, but featuring Victorian-like technology (e.g. Mainspring by Jay Lake).

“It’s sort of Victorian-industrial, but with more whimsy and fewer orphans.”

- Caitlin Kittredge

There are probably plenty of other combinations I’ve forgotten, but that’s steampunk as a genre in a nutshell. Steampunk has also cross-pollinated its way into other genres, so there is steampunk romance, steampunk erotica, and steampunk young adult fiction. I haven’t spotten any steampunk picture books yet, but I won’t be surprise when I do.

And it isn’t just written fiction anymore. There are steampunk games (e.g. Bioshock II), steampunk graphic novels (e.g. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), and even steampunk movies (e.g. Sherlock Holmes) and TV shows (e.g. Warehouse 13). There is even steampunk music and steampunk performance art.

“To me, it’s essentially the intersection of technology and romance.” – Jake von Slatt

But steampunk has become a lot more. What with all the cool contraptions in the stories, it was only natural that some people would decide to make some of them (or at least things like them). Thus, steampunk gadgets came into the real world. People has “steampunk’d” everything from computers, desks, telephone, watches and guitars to cars, motorcycles, and whole houses. These objects can vary from a grungy look of a forgotten antique to the shiny overwrought newness of a Victorian gentleman’s club. Think brass and copper, glass and polished wood, engraving and etching, and details for the sake of details. So, steampunk is also a design aesthetic.

“Steampunk is what happens when goths discover brown.” – Jess Nevins

This aesthetic carries over into personal style with both clothing and jewelry being made in a “steampunk” style. The clothes are not exactly Victorian, adding in technological bits or hints of a more adventurous life than a typical Victorian citizen likely enjoyed.

So, steampunk is a genre and a design aesthetic.

But wait, there’s more! Steampunk has a philosophical angle as well, which is somewhat of a combination between the maker ideals of creativity and self-reliance and the Victorian optimistic view of the future. This last bit has led to accusations that steampunk includes a fair amount of empire worship, which is a reasonable concern. Another criticism has been that steampunk focuses on the best of the past and quietly sweeps the bad (i.e. slavery, child labor, widespread disease, etc.). Again, this may be a valid criticism and it is somethat that steampunk will have to address. Paul Jessup’s piece “The Future of Steampunk” offers a good discussion of these issues.

Final answer: steampunk is a genre AND a design aesthetic AND a philosophy.

270 Responses to What is Steampunk?

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  1. Mike Miltenberger says:
    May 21, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    I’ve just learned about SteamPunk and started researching what it is.
    I find it intriguing.
    I think it’s the artwork and use of the old mechanical steam power that intriques me.
    I wonder if vintage bicycles and accessories would fit in with this culture?

  2. Rin says:
    May 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Apparently I’m a steampunk girl and I never even knew it. 16 years old, have always been intrigued by clockwork, keys, and old, rusty things; never been trendy, always been old-fashioned; always had a gigantic soft-spot for gothic films/art/literature (which growing up in a conservative Christian home can be kind of embarassing, particularly when you’re the only one in your family who will watch Tim Burton or read Neil Gaiman because your dad finds it too “bizarre”); and then I discover that all my favorite books and movies have HEAVY steampunk influence — “Hugo”, “Sherlock Holmes”, “The Graveyard Book”, “Artemis Fowl”… the list goes on. I’m so glad to have found a sub-genre that sympathizes with my tastes and imaginings. I love it. :)

  3. Leah-victoria says:
    May 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    if you have a look at the singer Emilie Autumn on Google images she wears steampunk type of things it will give you a sense of what it looks likes.

  4. Craig says:
    May 22, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Fans may want to check out Rush’s new album in a few weeks. Clockwork Angels is definitely going to have a steampunk inspiration, as is the tour Rush is doing behind it.

  5. Abilio Abreu says:
    May 22, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Regarding Steampunk music, Rush is about to release “Clockwork Angels”, google it and you will see that they went deep into it. I bet the shows will have amazing visuals, as their last tour already had steampunk inspired stage/instruments/amps…

  6. Mika says:
    May 22, 2012 at 11:09 pm

    I would say Hugo is totally steampunk. Golden Compass fits the genre to. I would also agree with Clockwork Orange. I saw someone looking for music ideas try Dead Can Dance.

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  8. Emily says:
    May 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Although I’m new to steampunk, I’m already hooked on it!

  9. David says:
    May 24, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    I”m a 63 year old grandpa and just realized I’ve been steam punk all these years and did not realize it. What a great find. It’s never too late!

  10. Holly says:
    May 25, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    Try Panic AT the Disco Ballad of Mona Lisa MV for fashion styles. There were quite a few die hard steampunk fans who dressed up for their concert in Saattle-good stuff-good music

  11. Richie T says:
    May 27, 2012 at 4:31 am

    I was 1st introduced to steampunk 3mnths ago and it just keeps growing on me and some of my friends about me as well. Regarding a past comment posted in this column. What does being an engineer or understanding steam have to do with ones interest in steampunk? I think it is cool. Maybe my interest is because I am a marine engineer. But I think not.
    It is because I’m into the finer points in life, detail
    Cheers people
    Rich

  12. Anna says:
    May 29, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    It’s like if DaVinci’s works were powered by gears.

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  14. Paul B says:
    June 25, 2012 at 10:42 pm

    One of the aspect I love about steampunk is the fact that it is all those things. And so it doesn’t have some of the limitations of a system like medieval reenactment. I’m fairly new to steampunk but since I’ve heard of it I’ve liked the whole philosophy of what if and not just you can not

  15. steampunk noob says:
    June 27, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    I’m new to it but its growing on me. steam pistons and gears although considered inefficient are really cool.they don’t have to perform perfectly as long as it works I am currently trying to build a steam powered cart,any ideas?

  16. Jan says:
    June 29, 2012 at 8:20 am

    Only just discovered that Steampunk is considered a genre when my bookshelves have been full of the stuff for 25 years!
    Can’t beleive there is no mention of Michael Moorcock in here. His work must be some of the earliest Steampunk produced. In particular the “Oswald Bastable Trilogy.” Check it out.
    Then I suppose there’s Bryan Talbot’s “Luther Arkwright” as well

  17. Dee says:
    June 29, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    LOL… I just saw this quote on this page

    “Steampunk is what happens when goths discover brown.” – Jess Nevins

    This is where I’m at right now… A goth that has discovered brown. I’ve always liked it, but for some reason as I grow older it grows with me and I’m pretty old… LOL Love it.

  18. blurbfly says:
    June 30, 2012 at 4:41 am

    Great article! Steampunk music genre is the most fascinating extension of the movement. I particularly dig a little more unique staff like this
    http://mochalab.bandcamp.com/track/the-steampunk-opera-overture
    or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbfWz-8dT8w&feature=related.

  19. Dominic says:
    July 2, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I played metroid prime: corruptin on my wii, and when i got to the skytown level, it really interested me. I just loved the music of it, and the art style, with all its hears and robots and mechanical things. After looking up steampunk, i realized that that must be what influenced it, and i love it! Skytown is a very steampunkish place.

  20. Dave R. says:
    July 7, 2012 at 8:46 am

    Steampunk is Victorian Science Fiction. I was born 75 years too late!

  21. Robert says:
    July 8, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Don’t really know what to think of it. I’m 56 and I guess I fit right in. Have not watched TV or a movie in over 3 years. Listen to AM radio and classical music. Use an oil lamp during the winter for reading and mood set. Went back to slide rules and the “addiator” years ago. Gave up on wristwatches and carry a pocketwatch from the 40′s. Don’t have a cellphone, just a landline. Use the computer/internet for my needed information, plus books. Have many various antiques, some from other countries. I’m content.

  22. JB420 says:
    July 11, 2012 at 4:45 am

    Some one called me a steam punk…
    so i got home and googled it.
    Im 26. My entire life, ive taken everything apart to see what was inside and manipulate it to do something else. I brought a screw driver to school in kindergarten and disassembled my desk. took electrical in highschool, the instructor took me to the elevators union for a test, with 10 others ( including the teacher)the test was all about gears and pulleys. I was the only one who had a perfect score. they offered me a job at 16.
    now i build HO trains, and have this unruly obsession with the steam powered engines.. how ironic.

    just found out I am steam punk, turns out i do fit in some wherre :)

  23. luke s says:
    July 16, 2012 at 2:23 am

    if you want to build a cart or engene these are my tips heavly grease the wheel and pistons for max efficence put two piston to run one wheel for on going motion and speed you could also turn the steam back in to water an reuse it gas use wood for the burner if you want to be cheap but gas burns clean

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  25. Robert says:
    July 25, 2012 at 11:04 am

    I’d like to echo the comment of anther poster on here regarding Michael Moorcock. I find it strange that there’s hardly a mention of him when he’s been writing fantastic novels that have steampunk running through them for the best part of 40 years. Check out ‘The Hollow Lands’ trilogy, it’s brilliant.

  26. Rourke says:
    July 28, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Never new it but I found out I’m a steampunk dude I love all of the things they mentioned, I love steampunk :D

  27. Mr Lewis says:
    July 30, 2012 at 11:59 am

    What is Steampunk? Infernal Devices; and Morlock Night by K W Jeta. Also read Michael Morcock The Warlord of the Air; and Dancers At The End Of Time.

  28. Conner says:
    August 1, 2012 at 12:22 am

    The steampunk culture sounded strange but a year or two ago I looked into it and honestly it’s amazing. Its something me and my friend were but never really realized it. I’m 16 and I prefer carrying a pocket watch. Me and my before mentioned friend ever drew up blueprints and made a few things in this sort of style before. I’m ussually reading books and realizing influences and symbolism as a hooby,sort of a recluse :/

  29. Lynn Rose Light says:
    August 7, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Hello,
    I’m an Artist and Art Gallery creator
    in Grass Valley. I’ve recently had the opportunity to paint on of the Steam punk
    groups. Compliments of Gallery 34 in Marysville, Ca.I’m thrilled with this conception as
    I’ve believed for a long time Many of the great things of
    the Victorian Era Have been lost by our
    post industrial society.I would love to connect further with this movement in
    Northern Calif. Thank You , Lynn Rose Light

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  31. Diana Copeland says:
    August 11, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    i just found out what steampunk is at the sanjapan convention yesterday. its quit interesting and also confuses me.i would like to learn more. i also bought me a watch thats steampunk. i like the design. i would like to learn more, any suggestions where to start?p.s i luv those movies of tim burton,shirlock and golden compass. i also love vehicles.

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  33. David says:
    August 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    I’d like to address a couple of the so-called evils of Victoria.

    Blacks in the United States are still harping about slavery and Jim Crow. Feminists are whining about having been oppressed before feminism. They do so only for political purposes.

    Because the one thing you can be sure of, it’s inarguable, is that white men are the reason slavery is not tolerated, and women can pursue careers at the expense of their children.

    Considering the main page when I first found this website: it had a gallery of steampunk Spiderman, we white men appear to be the Spidermen of the world. With the J. Jonah Jamisons (i.e. blacks, feminist, and homosexuals) trying to make out like we’re the bad guys, when in reality, we’re the superheroes.

    To all the JJJs out there accusing me of being racist, sexist, and any other types of bigot, I say: “You’re welcome for your freedom.”

  34. Oliver Colt says:
    August 16, 2012 at 12:32 am

    Nice article – interesting comments. Having been born in the Victorian age, Steampunk as an aesthetic has to the present lacked what the Victorian Age itself lacked – an appreciation of proportion, shape and scale. Stylistically, the Victorian was an confused composite of all that had come before, bits just stuck on to each other nilly-willy. If you were to add these classical attributes to the steampunk aesthetic and you will create a worthy addition to timeless beauty.

  35. good says:
    August 16, 2012 at 1:41 pm

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  36. J L Mulvihill says:
    August 17, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    I just read this blog while on a search to educate my writers group who are unaware of the genre. I like what this says and find it very useful in description. I would like to say upon the author’s notes about the steampunk genre “sweeping the bad under the carpet and just reflecting the good.” I am a published author and am working on a new novel called ‘The Boxcar Baby’ which is a young adult steampunk novel. I am telling you this because I am addressing the issue of child labor in my novel and the hardships attributed to that. However, my story, though taken from real research, is fiction and altered of course.

    J L Mulvihill

  37. Christina Gregoire says:
    August 17, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    I knew I was going to end up dressing Steampunkish at some point. I am a 59-year-old baby boomer female, and I never leave the house without a hat. Furthermore, my style always includes long skirts and boots. One of my all-time favorite movies is Clockwork Orange. I was always steampunk.

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  39. Donna says:
    August 20, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    im more confused than ever. its like 15 different genres smooshed into 1. it is the ADHD of the genre world. dont get me wrong i like the style and all BUT it just seems to be victorian goth with a different name.

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  41. RDWWW says:
    August 23, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    History on steampunk always seems to overlook the vital ’60′s US TV show “Wild Wild West.” The early seasons, especially, combined great atmospheric lighting with brilliant “how would we make this modern gadget with 19th Century technology?” props.

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  43. Brian Alexander says:
    August 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm

    Marquis of Vaudeville out of Dallas, Texas for those who love the steampunk rock/alt band…phenominal!

  44. Joseph Zombek says:
    August 29, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    If your looking for some nice steampunk inspired music, look up “Professor Elemental”. He’s based around steampunk, and even has a song named “Steam Powered”, which even includes steampunk in it. (The word steampunk, not genre). Check him out!

  45. Bill Barry says:
    August 30, 2012 at 12:09 am

    I LOVE Steampunk!!! so do my kids. I love the class, the style and the technology. As avid Air Bender fans, we eagerly awaited Korra and were thrilled they went with a steampunk-ish theme for the setting. Their society is evolving and the perfect time for crazy inventions, wicked machinery and stick shift automobiles!!! Steampunk ROCKS!!!

  46. Wierd says:
    August 31, 2012 at 12:30 am

    Its a Victorian idea of the future without electricity.

  47. Stuart Pawsey says:
    September 4, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    I recently discovered the term ‘steampunk’ and hey, I have been into this most of my life without knowing.Back in the sixties with the original’ The Time machine’ movie . Ilved the victorian imaging. Through HG Wells right up to the present with League of etc,and the films of Tim Burton. The GW Dahlquist books- Dream eaters-are pure steampunk. I would recommend these to everyone.

    Nice site, I will visit again.

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  49. Andrea says:
    November 4, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    FINALLY! i have always been kind of a tinker bell i love clockwork old metal and the 1900 fashion old guanra games and old Britain!

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