How did Steampunk get its name? It got its name from Author J. W. Jeter. He was trying to find a term for his books and those of others who were writing about Victorian fantasy in the 1980's. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and was inspired by H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Steampunk takes place in the nineteenth century during the Victorian times when steam was a main source of power and the steam engine was prevalent. This type of writing combines the past with the future, where inventors create today's technologies using materials of the past like brass, copper, glass, wood, and iron materials. Some items that are used in this genre are gears, sprockets, skeleton keys, and cogs. A book that is a good example of Steampunk is H.G. Wells' A Journey to the Center of the Earth.[1][2]

     Steampunk is a branch of science fiction; however, it is different form science fiction by the fact that it uses a distinct technology. It combines fictional technology that is mostly powered by steam in historical events and places or fantasy worlds.[3] This subgenre appeared in 1979, however people didn't really learn about it until the 1990's when the book The Different Engine was published. [4] Steampunk experienced an increase in popularity with the publication of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 1999. Its popularity also increased when this book won the Bram Stoker award. One reason people enjoy Steampunk Fiction is because it provides enticing stories with strong narratives.[3]