Books Like...
'Steampunk' edited by Jeff VanderMeer, along with Ann VanderMeer, is a collection of short stories that delve into the steampunk genre. The anthology covers a wide range of stories, from classic steampunk tales to more modern and diverse interpretations of the genre. includes a mix of well-known authors such as Michael Chabon and Ted Chiang, offering readers a glimpse into different aspects of the clockwork universe of steampunk. The stories explore themes of technology, history, and imagination, providing a rich tapestry of worlds set in a Victorian-era backdrop with a twist of advanced steam-powered technology.
The anthology not only presents a variety of steampunk stories but also includes introductory material by the editors that gives a brief history of steampunk literature and a pop culture survey. aims to introduce readers to the genre of steampunk through a diverse selection of stories, ranging from traditional steampunk settings to more experimental narratives. With a mix of classic and contemporary steampunk tales, the anthology offers readers a comprehensive look at the genre, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned steampunk fans and newcomers alike.
If you liked Steampunk, here are the top 36 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Difference Engine' by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling is an alternative history novel set in a Victorian England where steam-powered technology has advanced to the point of creating mechanical computers. The book explores the consequences of Charles Babbage completing his steam-powered computer, the Difference Engine, and the societal changes brought about by this technological advancement. The plot follows multiple storylines that intertwine, involving intrigue, civil disorder, and a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery surrounding stolen computer cards.
The writing style of 'The Difference Engine' is described as detailed and immersive, painting a vivid picture of an alternate Victorian landscape where industrialism and early computing have triumphed over traditional political and social structures. The narrative is noted for its complexity, with some readers finding the plot convoluted yet fascinating, while others struggled to follow the multiple intertwining storylines and found the characters lacking depth and consistency.
Below her, in a neglected formal garden, leafless vines lace wooden trellises on whitewashed, flaking walls. From the open windows of her sickroom, a warm draft stirs the loose white hair at her neck,... - #2
Save:'Old Mars' is a collection of short stories set in a pre-Mariner Mars, imagining an inhabited planet with canals, vegetation, and water, often featuring a clash between humans and Martians where humans are portrayed as villains. The stories take readers back to a time when Mars was envisioned as a vibrant planet with ancient civilizations and mystical cities, creating a nostalgic and imaginative escape from reality. The anthology pays homage to the Mars of legend, filled with mystery, intrigue, and warning messages about the impact of drought on civilizations.
Born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, I came from a blue-collar, working-class background. My family never had much money. We lived in a federal housing project, never owned a car, never went much o... - #3
Save:'Infernal Devices' by K.W. Jeter is a steampunk adventure novel set in a Victorian-inspired world filled with clockwork creations and mysterious inventions. The story follows a protagonist who finds himself entangled in a world of anti-science groups, strange creatures, and complex machinery left behind by his inventor father. With elements of Lovecraftian horror and raucous adventure, the narrative unfolds through a fast-paced plot with unexpected twists and turns, all narrated in a Victorian style reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.P. Lovecraft. Despite the fantastical elements, the book delves into themes of technology, mystery, and Victorian culture, creating a unique blend of genres and settings.
On just such a morning as this, when the threat of rain hangs over London in the manner of a sentence neither stayed nor pardoned, but rather perpetually executed, Creff, my factotum, interrupted the ... - #4
Save:'Old Venus' by George R.R. Martin is a nostalgic collection of short stories set on a fictional Venus, portraying it as a wet version of Earth teeming with life and adventure. The anthology explores themes of exploration, adventure, and colonization on the planet, showcasing a variety of viewpoints and genres within the science fiction realm. The stories range from classic pulp adventures to inter-species love stories, often delving into political and social commentary while maintaining a sense of wonder and imagination.
The book features 16 stories, some of which are longer and more novella-like in length, providing a diverse reading experience for fans of retro science fiction. With contributions from various authors, 'Old Venus' captures the essence of the early science fiction era when Venus was imagined as a lush, jungle world, offering a mix of traditional adventure tales and more modern interpretations of the planet's potential.
THE SHUTTLE FELL THROUGH THE CLOUDS—CLOUDS AS DENSE as grey wool, separating purple sky and sun above from perpetual rain below—for what seemed like a very long time until the windows finally cleared ... - #5
Save:'The Warlord of the Air' by Michael Moorcock is a steampunk novel set in an alternate history where airships dominate the world. The story follows Oswald Bastable, a man transported from 1902 British India to a 1973 world still under the rule of imperial superpowers. Initially enamored by the seemingly perfect state of this world, Bastable soon realizes the harsh reality of exploitation and imperialism that underpins the utopia. The narrative mixes timelines and historical figures, creating a unique storytelling experience that immerses the reader in a world full of airships and political intrigue.
In the spring of 1903, on the advice of my physician, I had occasion to visit that remote and beautiful fragment of land in the middle of the Indian Ocean which I shall call Rowe Island. I had been ov... - #6
Save:The Steampunk Bible is a comprehensive exploration of the steampunk genre, covering its Victorian sources of inspiration, books, music, clothes, films, and more. The book provides a detailed history of steampunk, from its origins to its modern interpretations, making it a great introduction to the genre for both newcomers and enthusiasts. It features high-quality illustrations and easy-to-read text that educates readers on the various aspects of steampunk culture.
- #7
Save:The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey is a science fiction urban fantasy novel set in a gritty city post-war, focusing on the life of Largo, a bicycle courier struggling with his job, drug addiction, and entanglements. The story delves into a world of unequal social classes, frivolity concealing despair, political machinations, and the looming threat of a new war. The writing style captures a steampunk noir vibe with elements of decadence, hedonism, and political intrigue.
Near dawn, Largo Moorden pedaled his bicycle through the nearly deserted streets of Lower Proszawa. It was exactly one week since his twenty-first birthday. Fog from the nearby bay and smoke from the ... 'Broken Stars: Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation' by Ken Liu is a collection of sixteen short stories from various Chinese authors, exploring themes of family, love, friendship, and science fiction. The stories range from alien encounters to time travel, with a focus on human emotions and relationships. also includes three essays delving into the origin and rise of Chinese science fiction, offering readers a diverse and intriguing glimpse into the world of Chinese speculative fiction.
- #9
Save:Invisible Planets by Ken Liu is a collection of contemporary Chinese science fiction stories that offer a diverse range of narratives, from social commentary to technological fantasy. The book showcases the distinctive characteristics of Chinese science fiction, exploring themes such as political satire, technological advancements, and social issues that resonate both in China and the US. The stories cover a wide spectrum, from hope-filled sci-fi to thought-provoking dystopian futures, providing a rich and varied insight into the world of Chinese speculative fiction.
The anthology includes works by various Chinese authors, translated and edited by Ken Liu, offering readers a glimpse into the imaginative worlds created by these talented writers. With stories that range from interstellar travel to social stratification, the collection presents a blend of hard science fiction, fantasy, and poetic writing that captivates and challenges readers to explore new perspectives on the genre.
My socks feel like greasy dishrags, so irritating that I want to punch someone. My stomach is cramping up from hunger, but I force my feet to keep moving. Wet leaves slap me in the face like open hand... - #10
Save:'Opening Atlantis' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel that explores the premise of an eighth continent named Atlantis in the Atlantic Ocean. Set in the 1400-1700s, the book follows the discovery and colonization of Atlantis by English, Spanish, and French settlers instead of the New World. It delves into the rich history of the Radcliffe family, the first English settlers in Atlantis, through three linked novellas spanning different time periods such as the Wars of the Roses, 17th-century piracy, and the Seven Years War.
Edward Radcliffe steered the St. George toward Le Croisic. Soon he would take the fishing boat out into the Atlantic after cod. Before he did, though, he needed salt, or his cargo would spoil before h...
