Extraordinary engines of steampunk

Steampunk came into being during the 1980s but it harks back to the earlier time of the Victorian Era of the 19th century, the era of the steam engine and the time when  H. G. Wells and Jules Verne wrote and described inventions of the future. These books portrayed optimism about human potential that appears to pervade steampunk.

Utopian flying machines of the previous century  Early flight from Wikipedia

Specific books that influenced steampunk were 'A Journey to the Centre of the Earth' written by Verne in 1864, 'From the Earth to the Moon' and 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' both by Jules Verne and the later 'The Time Machine', 'The Island of Doctor Moreau' and 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells and the darker 1897 classic 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker.

Insect Ring created by Compass Rose Design

You may have seen steampunk in jewelry design with cogs and metal clock parts or in modern clothing that looks back, in an edgy way, to the victorian era with use of corsets, fob watches and goggles.
But there is also a whole steampunk culture with followers adopting lifestyle choices including a philosophy, fashion, interior design, music, books and film. It could be called neo-Victorianism, joining the Victorian era with modern technology.
"Steampunk is more than just brass and watchparts. It's finding a way to combine the past and the future in an aesthetic pleasing yet still punkish way. It's living a life that looks old-fashioned, yet speaks to the future. It's taking the detritus of our modern technological society and remaking it into useful things." The Steampunk Home

PURCHASE FROM AMAZON:

• A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
• The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature
• The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells 
• The Island of Dr. Moreau (Unrated Director's Cut) 
• The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
• Dracula: Complete, Original Text by Bram Stoker