The Victorian Era

Josef Ressel: the inventor of the propeller

March 27, 2012
By
Josef Ressel: the inventor of the propeller

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...

Read more »

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

February 6, 2012
By
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...

Read more »

Every Journey Requires of the Traveler…a Starting Point

January 19, 2012
By

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...

Read more »

“Social Justice begins at home”

January 6, 2012
By

Perhaps no truer words have been uttered in the course of America’s history. What many may find surprising is that the quote taken as the title here is from none other than James Couzens, Treasurer of the Ford Motor Company in 1914. Certainly the era of the utterance held much in the way of promised social change, though how much of that change we might consider “good” is up to question. The work of the Suffragettes was still to be done, and on this it is clear that good change was the order of the day. Likewise we may...

Read more »

Is There a Santa Claus?

December 22, 2011
By

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,...

Read more »

Volume 1, Issue 3 Find out more on MagCloud
Library of Classics
Subscribe to the Doctor Fantastique's Show of Wonders FREE email newsletter and get the top stories in your inbox every Friday.
Never see this message again.
Subscribe to the Doctor Fantastique's Show of Wonders FREE email newsletter and get the top stories in your inbox every Friday.
Never see this message again.