Cool book alert: 'The Steampunk Bible'

One of my favorite things about going to Comic-Con each year is seeing all of the steampunk artists parading around the convention center -- and they are artists, because it takes a lot of talent to put together those complicated ensembles.

What exactly is steampunk? How do corsets, goggles and airships fit into the mix? My latest favorite book is the fascinating and full-color Steampunk Bible by Jeff VanderMeer and S.J. Chambers (Abrams Image, $24.95). Subtitled An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature, it's the perfect gift for steampunk aficionados and newbies alike.

Early in the book, VanderMeer offers this equation to describe steampunk:

STEAMPUNK = Mad Scientist Inventor [invention (steam x airship or metal man / baroque stylings) x (pseudo) Victorian setting] + progressive or reactionary politics x adventure plot

He then goes on to illustrate so many more aspects of the culture than I ever knew existed. Below are some of my favorite images from the book. Click on the captions to learn more:

The Steampunk Bible is in stores now.

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