Yeah. Without any underlying explanation, it looks like magic, doesn’t it? I’m going to have to assume force fields or something. Because it has to be Science!. Although I suspect that Mechanicsburg Science is a little different from our science, what with the living constructs and all.
I also couldn’t explain how the Torchmen fly. (shrug) It’s SCIENCE!
Well, this guy dresses up, takes photos on location and writes the fiction (great story, btw). For all your steampunk decorating needs and this is just unparalleled.
I’ve seen the Steampunk Home before. Alas, I fear I lack the credentials to join the Veritas League, but I shall be a voyeur.
Mad Science.
The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson (Quicksilver, Confusion) are really good. Cryptonomicon isn’t ‘steam punk’, but set in WWII and a great read, too. Actually any book by Neal Stephenson will be a good read, and even educational if you have the right mindset.
If you’re in the mood for video, I have a few anime recommendations.
Several Hayao Miyazaki cartoons fall into this category. ALL of them are great to watch. Generally they have a strong fantasy story usually (but not always) set in an alternate historical reality. They’re largely kid friendly videos as well, and many of them are obviously made for kids. Downright hypnotic. If you have a couple of hours, getting your hands on these DVDs is worth every second and every penny.
‘Last Exile’ is a mini series that also falls broadly into this category. It’s very pretty, and sets the bar fairly high for engrossing story and very high for art and animation technology.
Check out the Brass Goggles blog - it links to a forum as well, with some of the best fabricators and modders posting quite regularly.Lifestylers too.
Oh, and anime-wise, there’s* Steamboy* as well.
I’m not sure that the Baroque Cycle qualifies. Alchemy aside, Stephenson mostly tries to remain realistic in his fiction.
Not only will she be able to enjoy Girl Genius, she’ll be able to share it with the kid whe he/sh/it gets a little older. Good stuff.
If she’s into video-games, there’s also the excellent Thief series as well as the superiour RTS Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends.
Thanks for this link!