"I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term for Powers, Blaylock and myself. Something based on the appropriate technology of the era; like "steampunks", perhaps…" - K.W. Jeter, letter to Locus, April 1987

Steampunk is Victorian-era science fiction/fantasy in the tradition of H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Mary Shelley and later Jeter, Tim Powers, James Blaylock, and others. Beginning as a literary subgenera, it's evolved to have an impact on popular culture, art, and fashion.

SXSW Steampunk aficionados, don't miss this opportunity to meet, greet, and hang out. Come in SteamPunk drag, bring all your gear, bring a camera… we'll have a mirror. Talk about precursors and history, cultural manifestations, trends - the future of the past!