Nov 18

HFJ Discussion Post: So, What About Steampunk?

Small and I had numerous discussions during the planning period of the Historical Fantasy Jubilee (although we got off topic more often than we stayed on it), and one of the things that came up was: Is Steampunk Historical Fantasy? Before Small and I talked about it, I would have said no. I tend to think of Steampunk as more Science Fiction than Fantasy, but as our discussion went on, I began to change my mind a little. And here are my thoughts.

Straight Steampunk

First, there’s straight Steampunk. Take Airborn by Kenneth Oppel. The setting is inspired by the 1930′s and 40′s, so it’s definitely got that historical flavor. The only fantasy here, however, is the magic of a different kind of science. In Oppel’s world, giant dirigibles fly with the help of a special kind of gas called “hydrium,” which is lighter than air. There’s no magic involved, no werewolves, no vampires or other magical creatures. Therefore, we can’t count it as Historical Fantasy.
Other examples include:

The Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
The Iron Seas series by Meljean Brook

Steampunkish

In general, one of the most important features in Steampunk is a recognizable period in history. Most often, this is the Victorian Era. The idea of an alternate universe, with an alternate kind of technology is what drives the genre. Steampunkish novels like Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti have alternate technology, but the setting is mostly a product of the author’s mind. Usually it fits into the “generic Victorianish city” type, though occasionally not. Either way, we can’t include it in our list of Historical Fantasies.

Other examples include:

The Iron Codex books by Caitlin Kittredge
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Steampunk with Fantasy

Now we finally get to the Steampunk novels that we consider Historical Fantasy. Those are the ones with recognizable historical settings (again, often Victorian London) that not only have the Science Fiction elements, but also fantastical ones. The Parasol Protectorate series has plenty of magical creatures (including a werewolf hero–swoon). Clockwork Angel features magic, shapeshifters and vampires, too.

Other examples include:

The Native Star books by M.K. Hobson
The Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross (I haven’t read these, but my understanding is that there’s a magical element.)

So, what do you think? Am I way off base? Do you think my categories are bunk? Did I classify something incorrectly? Or maybe you have some examples to suggest? Feel free to share!

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