Steampunk
I just finished reading The Difference Engine for the second time. Written by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling in the late 80's, it is an excellent example of the genre known as "steampunk." Wikipedia defines steampunk as, "a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy, that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used-usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England-but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date."
In retrospect, the TV series, The Wild, Wild West, was a kind of steampunk adventure. The protagonists fancy steam train, their wily gadgets, not to mention the crazy techno-wizards they often had to fight against, all fit into the steampunk mold.
The Difference Engine speculates what the world would be like if Charles Babbage had actually built the Difference Engine and a rapid development of "engine" (i.e., computer) technology occurred in early Victorian England. This rapid evolution of technology in mid-19th century England makes for a story rife with political and social machinations, and it's dramatic personae is a who's who of Victorian society. Lord Byron is prime minister of England. His daughter, Lady Ada Lovelace, "The Queen of Engines" (and considered in some circles even today as the "first programmer") plays a central role in the plot. Edward Mallory is famous dinosaur hunter, Charles Darwin a highly-respected member of the government. Sam Houston makes a nefarious appearance as well!
When I read this book the first time, I remember being VERY impressed with it, and the concepts expressed are still impressive. Apparently this was one of the seminal books in the development steampunk literature, and my interest in the whole genre has been awakened. I know when I first read it, I didn't realize that it was part of a genre. On second reading, I have to admit I was a little less taken with how the story unfolded and how the novel ended. Either I didn't understand some critical in the exposition (very possible) or the story just fizzled out and stopped. Still worth a read, but I wish it had had a better conclusion. I wasn't sure if I was to feel hopeless about the future of this world or hopeful. It needs a sequel! LOL!
I have been looking for other steampunk novels to read. They are somewhat hard to find, unfortunately, but I did locate a series that is technically targeted at junveniles, but which can be read by adults too (or so I have read). I picked up the first of the series, Airborne, by Steven Oppel. It features an airship/zeppelin as it's main mode of conveyance and adventure. I am sure I will enjoy it.
In retrospect, the TV series, The Wild, Wild West, was a kind of steampunk adventure. The protagonists fancy steam train, their wily gadgets, not to mention the crazy techno-wizards they often had to fight against, all fit into the steampunk mold.
The Difference Engine speculates what the world would be like if Charles Babbage had actually built the Difference Engine and a rapid development of "engine" (i.e., computer) technology occurred in early Victorian England. This rapid evolution of technology in mid-19th century England makes for a story rife with political and social machinations, and it's dramatic personae is a who's who of Victorian society. Lord Byron is prime minister of England. His daughter, Lady Ada Lovelace, "The Queen of Engines" (and considered in some circles even today as the "first programmer") plays a central role in the plot. Edward Mallory is famous dinosaur hunter, Charles Darwin a highly-respected member of the government. Sam Houston makes a nefarious appearance as well!
When I read this book the first time, I remember being VERY impressed with it, and the concepts expressed are still impressive. Apparently this was one of the seminal books in the development steampunk literature, and my interest in the whole genre has been awakened. I know when I first read it, I didn't realize that it was part of a genre. On second reading, I have to admit I was a little less taken with how the story unfolded and how the novel ended. Either I didn't understand some critical in the exposition (very possible) or the story just fizzled out and stopped. Still worth a read, but I wish it had had a better conclusion. I wasn't sure if I was to feel hopeless about the future of this world or hopeful. It needs a sequel! LOL!
I have been looking for other steampunk novels to read. They are somewhat hard to find, unfortunately, but I did locate a series that is technically targeted at junveniles, but which can be read by adults too (or so I have read). I picked up the first of the series, Airborne, by Steven Oppel. It features an airship/zeppelin as it's main mode of conveyance and adventure. I am sure I will enjoy it.