Of Historical Interest

Josef Ressel: the inventor of the propeller

March 27, 2012

Josef Ludwig Franz Ressel was born on June 29th, 1793 in the Bohemian town of Chundrum. His mother was Marija Ana Konvichkova, a Czech, and his father Anton Hermann Ressel, a German. He came from a poor family that couldn’t sustain his studies at Vienna University, and for this reason he had to sustain himself (and even his family) with his works of calligraphy and drawings. One of his drawings was admired by Emperor Franz I who decided to pay for his studies in the newly founded Forestry Academy. Once finished, he became District Forester in Pleterje and later...

Steampunk Mass Communications

March 1, 2012

By Matthew Delman

Much of Steampunk fiction takes place in the latter half of the 19th Century, with some crossover to the very early days of the 20th. One element of storytelling that we find in prominent position, and especially for those stories set in the 1890s/1900s, is the concept of improved mass communication. As a genre richly detailed with historical innovations, Steampunk fiction has several inventions to choose from to satisfy the need for improved mass communications. These include the telegraph, improved printing presses, and the radio, all of which were developed or advanced near to if not within the canonical...

How to Write the Perfect Murder

February 9, 2012

By AJ Sikes

Hail and Hello fellow writers. Courtesy of my wife, I’ve just learned that in 1892, a Dr. Robert Buchanan murdered his wife. This bears no relation to my relationship with my own spouse, by the by. The not-so-very-good doctor overdosed his wife with morphine and then applied atropine to her eyes. This removed the closed pupils that would have indicated immediately that she had died of a morphine overdose. Concerned readers shall note that the authorities eventually apprehended Buchanan. Apparently, in his reading of Murder and Mayhem at university, the fellow managed to skip the course in “not living...

Historical Accuracy in Steampunk: A Guide For Steaming Up Traditional Victorian Wear

February 6, 2012

By Cheryl Trent

Historical Accuracy in Steampunk: A Guide For Steaming Up Traditional Victorian Wear

What makes historical clothing steampunk? As a clothing historian, my main focus is to help steampunk enthusiasts understand historical clothing so they can make their steampunk attire feel more authentic. Another aspect that should be considered is how to make historical clothing work in steampunk. There are many living history reenactors that have trouble adapting into the steampunk world. Just like with a newbie steampunk, these individuals often struggle with crossing the barrier between authentic clothing and steampunk clothing. The basic rule is that the more Victorian/historical you are, the better, but even I suffer from not making my...

Every Journey Requires of the Traveler…a Starting Point

January 19, 2012

By AJ Sikes

As a writer, I am startled by the tidbits of history I encounter in my reading of the daily news. Moments snipped out of time become collected in a handy repository: my notebook, the backs of envelopes, the scattered scraps of paper on the floor beneath my desk. Ahem, yes, I did mention that I was a writer? Right. Today, I came across a little gem amidst the rough and it occurred to me that, being very much among the company of writers in my pursuits online, it would be good of me to share. To wit, I give...

Is There a Santa Claus?

December 22, 2011

By Matthew Delman

Editor’s Note: While not Steampunk per se, the editorial “Is There a Santa Claus?” written by Francis Pharcellus Church and published in The Sun newspaper on September 21, 1897, is nevertheless an intriguing example of the power of the written word. It also offers a window into the writing style of the late Victorian Era, something the Steampunk fan can certainly appreciate. Is There a Santa Claus? We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of THE SUN: Dear Editor,...

The Steampunk Guide to Airships

May 24, 2011

By Sophie Playle

Airships are a familiar technology in the steampunk genre. Aerostat (lighter-than-air) in design, they differ from the simple hot air balloon in their ability to be steered using propellers and rudders. Today, airships have lost out to the speed, manoeuvrability and comparative safety of the airplane. But the development of the airship long precedes the airplane. The sense of majesty and innovation makes them a perfect steampunk accompaniment. A Brief History The first hot air balloon was invented by Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier in France, 1783. Originally paper manufacturers, the Montgolfier brothers experimented with floating paper and fabric bags...

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