Review: 'The Steampunk Bible' by Jeff VanderMeer with SJ Chambers

The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer with SJ Chambers, 2011, Abrams Image, $24.95, hardbound, 224 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: a little garish. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This informative book includes contributions from such steampunk notables as Jake von Slatt, Catherynne M Valente, GD Falksen, and Libby Bulloff. It explores steampunk past and present, from the speculative fiction of Jules Verne and HG Wells to KW Jeter's 2011 Morlock Night and the works of Cherie Priest and Gail Carriger, as well as taking a gander at some steampunk films. 

Along the way, the authors provide helpful information, such as a guide to steampunk subgenres and a look at four styles of steampunk fashion. 

At the end of the book there is a look at the future of steampunk. There's also a little blurb about each of the authors, steampunk-style. 

If you like this one, try: International Steampunk Fashions, by Victoriana Lady Lisa; and  The Art of Steampunk, by Art Donovan.