Kicking off the year in fantastical style, our first post in this 2021-Year of Brazil campaign will introduce you to the Steampunk universe, and to a Brazilian author who is paving the way into literary history by building an incredible fictitious world connecting the fantastical to cultural and literary classics.
Awesome, isn't it?
So...what is steampunk anyway?
In a very short explanation, Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that mixes historical realism (often period pieces) with fantasy and futuristic technology.
Essentially, it creates these alternative realities in history and kicks them up a notch.
For many, steampunk is associated with H.G. Wells and Jules Vernes before him,
with their elements of sci fi and fantasy mixed with reality and dystopia. While these two clearly influenced the movement, it goes well beyond them and some now consider Vernes, for instance, proto-steampunk instead. Gets complicated doesn't it? Let's keep it simple.
The term STEAMPUNK (anything with punk in the name just sounds so 80s badass), gained traction after it appeared in a letter by American novelist K.W. Jeter. This initial wave of Steampunk in American culture mixed realism with the creation of fictional machines, always largely influenced by industrialization.
In 2006, the trend entered a new moment in which aesthetics and fantastical materialism reign, now garnering a solid following and subculture.
The topic is so vast and rich it deserves days of exploration. So, for now, check these out if you want to look at some Steampunk art, authors, movies, and at steampunk in the world.
How did you like this very quick intro to an incredible universe/movement/genre/aesthetic?
Follow for Part II, where I'll introduce you to the man who is bringing Brazilian literature into the Steampunk universe.
Tchau!
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