The link below is to an amazing video from Yestervid.com of early motion pictures of London, including the oldest (a view of Trafalgar Square) as well as the earliest recording, on Edison wax cylinder, of the chimes of the Clock Tower.
As interesting as it is to see how much has changed in London over the 100-plus years since most of these motion pictures were taken, it is equally interesting to see how much has not changed.
Also great reference for period costumes!
From the ever-entertaining Atlas Obscura website, a collection of animal automata. Interesting that none of these date to the era generally considered to be steampunk, either predating it or coming thereafter. I’m not sure what date range is generally considered to be clockpunk though…
I’m sharing a link to an entertaining post from the blog Strange Company entitled innocently enough, “Newspaper Clipping(s) of the Day” but whose contents belie that bland description.
OK, this woman seems to be over-reacting a bit.
Based on clippings from the “Illustrated Police News“, one of the most sensationalist London newspapers of the day, the post contains illustrations of Victorian women taking matters into their own hands when accosted, insulted, or otherwise violated. These ladies are definitely self-rescuing.
I can imagine a female steampunk character emulating these ladies. In fact, I have a character taking after the woman in March 28, 1896’s drawing when accosted by an evil-doer.
A View of the Thames by Utagawa Yoshitora, c. 1860s. Image from the Library of Congress collection.
In the spirit of Steampunk Hands Around the World 2015, I’d like to share a view of Victorian London as depicted by a Japanese artist of the time, Utagawa Yoshitora. Whether writing, creating, or defining your steampunk persona, it is always helpful to see through others’ eyes and gain a fresh perspective.
More details on the artist and these prints at the always informative Two Nerdy History Girls blog.
To all my readers who have followed what I have attempted to craft as entertaining, informative and enlightening blog posts over the last few months, I give my most heartfelt wishes of the season whether it’s a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, A Happy New Year, or a happy celebration of the sun starting its long journey northward after the longest night of the year (which is a perfectly good reason to celebrate in my opinion…)
As a suitable present, I give you two steampunk holiday musical selections–from Unwoman and Abney Park:
On the eleventh day of Steampunk Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Twelve steampunk movies.
The iconic image of the Man in the Moon from Georges Méliès A Trip to the Moon. (1902)
Since the steampunk culture started with literature–both the proto-steampunk works of Verne, Wells, et al, and first steampunk novels of the 1970s and 1980s–it only seems fitting that those works eventually be adapted for the big screen. Here are some favorites:
On the eleventh day of Steampunk Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eleven Steampunk Places to Visit.
Gifts don’t have to be something physical; they can be an experience. Here are eleven (out of many) places to visit that have a steampunk vibe to them.
Author
Welcome to my world of creativity!
Astronomy, space and space travel for the non scientist
Stories of a magical world
Be not ashamed, my brothers, to stand before the proud and the powerful. Tagore
Your Next Favorite Escape Starts Here!
For Indie authors to share news
SCIENCE POETRY
The Official Crafting Blog of Michael C. Miller, Designer, Gearsmith & Scrivener
Author-Speaker-Writing Coach
Mimi Matthews
Our world is strange
Tiny, Comical History
I just want to write, drink lattes, and geek the heck out.
Airship Flamel 