Fact Finder - Arts and Literature

Fact
The Origin of the Steampunk Genre
Category
Arts and Literature
Subcategory
Literature and Art
Country
USA/UK
Description
Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. While its roots lie in the 'scientific romances' of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, the term 'Steampunk' was coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter. He used it to describe a specific style of Victorian-era fantasy that was emerging as an alternative to 'Cyberpunk.' The genre is characterized by brass gears, clockwork mechanisms, airships, and a reimagining of the Victorian era or the American Wild West. In literature, it often explores 'what-if' scenarios involving early computing or advanced steam technology. Beyond books, Steampunk has evolved into a massive visual arts and maker culture, influencing fashion, interior design, and film. It represents a nostalgic yet creative fusion of historical elegance and futuristic invention.