The Steampunk Gazette

by Major Tinker

From a fantasy fiction genre, steampunk has grown into a broad pop culture aesthetic with its own art, fashion, home decor, music and events. This title chronicles this burgeoning international subculture with an illustrated newspaper-style design that reflects the vintage aesthetic. It reports from the steampunk movement and includes photographs.

Genres: Steampunk, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this is a niche book, one that those not interested in the steampunk culture will likely never pick up. Those heavily involved in steampunk or with just a passing interest, however, will find this a fun, fantastical read.

And yet even those who couldn't care less about the movement will do a double take when they pass it on the shelf, because if nothing else this book is gorgeous. From the slick cover to the abundance of pictures inside, The Steampunk Gazette is eye candy on a grand, theatrical scale. Glossy pages, magazine-style formatting, high quality pictures of every aspect of steampunk you can imagine...breathtakingly beautiful.

Beyond the pictures, the reading material is also quite nice. No entry goes particularly in depth, but that doesn't seem the be the point of the book. This is an overview, a flavorful, eclectic introduction to steampunk, that touches on varied facets and focuses just long enough to catch a reader's interest. What's offered in these pages is just enough information that, should the fancy strike, the reader can take it and run, delve deeper by researching elsewhere. A good thing, too, considering the encouragement of creativity in steampunk culture.

An excellent choice for the discerning reader.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really wants to be a coffee table book. It wants to be oversized, casually lying on your steampunk coffee table with the cogs and brass rivets and all. Even at the diminished size, it's still fun. This is one of those books that exists to introduce you to a lifestyle and dazzle you with copious photos of said lifestyle. The text is pretty minimal. If you want more detailed explanations of steampunk and/or the various people and things depicted in this book, you'll have to look elsewhere. There's a section at the back of the book devoted to weblinks, lots and lots of weblinks. This book made me wish that I were independently wealthy so that I could put together an outfit--complete with props--and redecorate my home and spend the rest of my life going to various steampunk gatherings. There are worse dreams to have. One error of fact I noticed in the book: Phil and Kaja Foglio's Girl Genius graphic novels did NOT begin as a web comic, but as a conventional comic book, and I have the back issues to prove it.

[Catherine Siemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a book for leafing through; definitely worthwhile for a newbie to the scene, but the ground's been covered elsewhere more effectively. Attractive book and not the same old pictures, maybe because it's by a UK-based author.

[Tara Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book a great breakdown of across the world of how steampunk is perceived, created, embraced

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have considered getting this books for a long time now. I had seen it in the local Barnes and Nobles about 6 years ago, but never grabbed it. I wish I had.
The book is full of helpful resources and ideas for anyone interested in Steampunk or just getting into it. Even if you know about it, the ideas the book can give you are out of this world. From getting ideas for making your own Steampunk world, to items you can buy, or even music there is something for everyone.
I do wish the book had been a little long and included an interview with members of the band Steam Powered Giraffe. Overall a book I would recommend.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative. Made up like articles in a newspaper, this book have everything from fashion advice to popular games (Tea dueling!), music, art, movies, books, comics, etc. Part primer, part source list (the "advertisements" and "classified" section), with plenty of tongue-in-cheek let's-not-take-ourselves-TOO-seriously banter.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funky cool book

[ZaBeth Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my husband said he picked out a book for me at the library I wasn’t sure what to expect as our tastes in reading material are as different as day and night. Regardless of our differences, I never should have doubted that he knows me. He found the perfect selection for me when he brought home The Steampunk Gazette written by renowned Steampunk expert Major Tinker.
There are three things that immediately impressed me about this book. First is the very succinct definition of Steampunk it provides for those who haven’t been introduced to the subject. Tinker explains – in a finer sentence than I’ll summarize here – that steampunk is inspired by the Victorian era with a twist of science fiction, modern technology, and fun. Second, this book offers a thorough historical summary of how Steampunk has evolved into its current existence. While Tinker explains the term “steampunk” was not coined until 1987 the creativity behind Steampunk has existed for many years and many will recognize its roots in such popular items as the work of Jules Verne. The third reason that jumped out at me is that Tinker dictates that the Steampunk genre and activities involve everyone being “nice to each other.” I believe that may be exactly why this creative outlet has such a firm hold on society currently. We all want to be embraced for our uniqueness and yet still belong to a group that has common ground. Steampunk can really be all encompassing across ages, race, and the arts, and yet so wonderfully narrowed down to your own individual focus.
If that doesn’t interest you enough, Tinker’s gazette is filled with wonderful color photographs from Steampunk events such as The Asylum and Her Royal Majesty’s Steampunk Symposium. You’ll find chapters organized by Steampunk furniture, music, literature, and clothing to name a few. Each providing examples so that you can be inspired by whatever thread of Steampunk culture sparks your interest. In addition, you’ll learn about real world examples of Steampunk art and gadgetry on display at museums and restaurants around the world.
Now that I have read The Steampunk Gazette, I’m looking forward to digging through my to-read pile to find the next Steampunk gem to read. Here is a list of just a few of my favorite Steampunk books:
• Incarnation by Emma Cornwall
• Soulless by Gail Carriger
• Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
• Warrior by Zoe Archer

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library after attending my first Comic Con in Denver a week ago. I decided that skimming over this book in the next 3 weeks will just not do it for me, so I ordered a copy! I've been interested in steampunk for awhile, but haven't really investigated too deeply. This book has helped quite a bit. I know the internet is a great resource, but I like having a book to laze around with. It's like a hard copy of Wikipedia with the amount of information it provides except with plenty of pictures. Definitely has got my gears going!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively introduction to steampunk culture. Lots of articles, photographs and art, including (for us Whovians) a steampunk Dalek. Great sourcebook for anyone new to steampunk or just wanting to browse through a wide range of short pieces related to the movement. There's something here for almost everyone.

[Steven Hernacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Although primarily a coffee table book with lotsa pretty steamy pictures, it did have some useful reference material. my favorite part is that it introduced me to the noble art of Tea Dueling.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book for anyone who is interested in the world of steampunk. It covers everything from the misty beginnings of the steampunk world to the outermost fringes of its participants. The Steampunk Gazette has inspired me to get back into some serious costuming. Love it.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read most of this book, just mainly looked at the photos of the inventions. It was really beautiful! In the beginning they tell what steampunk is. I read that and I thought it was a cool idea!

[Jakenv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book picturing Steampunk history, photos and all around fund of information. Book is creative. Even non Steampunk fans will be delighted.

[NVTony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a book all steampunk enthusiasts will want to peruse. Photos and dialogue are superior. Will keep you busy for hours seeing how the world has adapted. Highly recommend.

[Robert Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mainly covers the cultural phenomenon and the literary genre only tangentially. But it is very well-done for what it is. Major Tinker is a good publicist for the movement.

[Con Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning book!