The term "steampunk" itself is believed to have originated in the late 1980s and was used to describe a particular style of science fiction literature that drew inspiration from the works of authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, as well as the industrial revolution and Victorian-era culture.
Since then, it has expanded to encompass various forms of media, including literature, art, fashion, and even music, with enthusiasts often creating their own steampunk-inspired costumes and gadgets.
So, what did the Victorian's do for us? Where did the greatest Steampunk inspirations stem from?
The Victorian era, spanning roughly 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant innovation and technological advancement. Here are a few examples of the many inventions and innovations that we take for granted today:
Steam Engine: While the steam engine predates the Victorian era, it was during this time that it saw widespread use and refinement, powering everything from trains to factories and revolutionising transportation and industry.
Telegraph: Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s, the telegraph enabled near-instantaneous communication over long distances, transforming the way information was transmitted.
Telephone: Patented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, the telephone allowed for voice communication over long distances, further revolutionising communication technology.
Electric Light Bulb: Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the practical incandescent light bulb in 1879, although there were other inventors working on similar technologies around the same time.
Photography: The development of photography progressed significantly during the Victorian era, with pioneers such as Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot contributing to the invention of various photographic processes.
Sewing Machine: Patented by Elias Howe in 1846 and later improved upon by Isaac Singer, the sewing machine revolutionised textile production and made clothing more affordable and accessible.
Refrigeration: The development of mechanical refrigeration in the mid-1800s, with inventions like the vapour-compression refrigeration cycle, allowed for the preservation of food over extended periods, leading to improvements in public health and nutrition.
Typewriter: The first commercially successful typewriter, invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868, facilitated faster and more legible writing, particularly for business and administrative purposes.
Railways: While railways were already in existence before the Victorian era, their expansion and development during this time were crucial for the industrial and economic growth of many nations.
Bicycle: The bicycle underwent significant development during the Victorian era, with innovations such as the chain drive and pneumatic tires making it a more practical and efficient mode of transportation.
The writings of two Victorian authors, Jules Verne and HG Wells, have been hugely inspirational to the world of Steampunk.
Jules Verne is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of science fiction. His novels, filled with futuristic technology and fantastical inventions, strongly influenced steampunk’s themes and aesthetics.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) introduced Captain Nemo and the submarine Nautilus, blending exotic sea creatures, adventure with exploration and technology.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873) captured imaginations with daring expeditions and global adventure, while From the Earth to the Moon (1865) astonishingly anticipated aspects of real space travel. Verne’s stories combined scientific detail, bold speculation, and a spirit of discovery that continues to inspire steampunk today.
H.G. Wells is often seen as a founding figure of science fiction. While his works don’t fit neatly into steampunk, they share themes and aesthetics that influenced the genre.
Novels like The Time Machine (1895), The War of the Worlds (1898), and The Invisible Man (1897) explore futuristic technology, alternate realities, and the consequences of scientific progress.
Like Jules Verne, Wells anticipated many 20th-century developments, blending Victorian-era settings with speculative inventions and social critique.
Though his stories often feature more advanced technology than classic steampunk, their fascination with industrialisation, ambition, and the perils of unchecked science continues to inspire steampunk creators today.
