Ever heard of Steampunk? Chances are, even if you are currently scratching your heard in bewilderment, you have seen examples of it or at least its aesthetic.
I am not brave enough or knowledgeable enough to come up with my own definition, but instead provide a lovely one from http://TheClockworkCentury.com.
"Steampunk: An aesthetic movement based around the science fiction of a future that never happened. Recall, if you will, visions of the future that were written a hundred years ago or more. Think Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley, and the like — telling stories featuring technology that didn’t exist at the time, but might someday. Remember that they were writing with no idea of the microchip, or the internet, or (in some cases) the internal combustion engine. Therefore, in their versions of the future, the technology upon which society would eventually come to depend is driven largely by steam power or clockwork. Sometimes electricity is likewise invoked, but it’s often treated as quasi-magical due to the contemporary lack of understanding about how it behaved and what it could do.
Steampunk could be considered a retro-futuristic neo-Victorian sensibility that is being embraced by fiction, music, games, and fashion. It is ornate and vibrant, and intricate. It believes that functional items can and should be beautiful."
I have always loved Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Imagine my excitement when I discovered there was a whole subculture founded on celebrating them.
And the clothes and gadgets!
Fun times.
Recently (aka today) I found out that the next episode of Castle with my dearly beloved Nathan Fillion will feature steampunks and I am so pumped!
Ergo, this post.
So please, if you are a steampunk (in heart, in mind, or in practice) come inside. If you are curious but have no idea where to begin, come inside and ask. If you read the definition or watched the teaser and think I'm as mad as a hatter, please come in and enjoy a cup of tea. I promise it's not poisoned (much). Everyone is welcome.