Anatomy of Steampunk: The Fashion of Victorian Futurism by Katherine Gleason

Anatomy of Steampunk: The Fashion of Victorian Futurism Reviews

• 
  Kayla Burton

  I may be a bit biased in my love for this book, because I have a whole bunch of friends in it, but it's awesome. The photographs are gorgeous, the people photographed are actually steampunks and not paid models, and the companies in the book are actually respected in the community. This book was clearly made by someone who loves the aesthetic. I also love that there's cute little how-to's in there. They're basic and leave people room to be creative but definitely help create an overall look. A+ gorgeous gear filled book.
• 
  nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite)

  Wow some of the dresses, fashion, and basically the designs and thought that goes into making those. The pictures are really beautiful. Just the steampunk style and the fashion style and art style, makes this a really good read.
• 
  (Jen) The Artist Librarian

  As someone who has admired steampunk fashion and costuming from afar, I found this book to be the perfect combination of information (on several different aspects of steampunk, not just the clothing style) and gorgeous photography. Recommended for anyone looking to learn more about steampunk.
• 
  Sarah Steding

  This book is awesome. The photos and details are gorgeous.
• 
  Lucy

  Steampunk is kind of like the Society for Creative Anachronism plus Civil War and other re-enactment groups. People who like the genre and the aesthetic begin to live it at least part of the time. Here we see what people can craft for themselves, or purchase from well-known designers, sometimes getting a custom design. But much of the garb is acquired from thrift shops, perhaps worn as is, perhaps embellished in some way. One thing that I hadn't thought of, but that pleases me greatly: people with prosthetic limbs fit right in. They can continue to try to be normal, or they can play up their prosthetic, even making it more mechanical-looking. After all, part of steampunk involves cyborg entities.
  Part of the cliche vision of steampunk involves women in bustles or wearing corsets, or both. Some are prim and proper but with an adventurous edge, or not at all proper. The men range from dandies to mechanics. Many of them sport fancy mustaches and/or beards. Lots of goggles, hats, gears and clockwork bits in jewelry, all for men and women alike. No children are shown; I don't know if that means that children aren't interested or they just weren't pictured here.
  Chapters are: Fine and formal; Stage crafted; Adventure wear; Street style.
  There are several crafts shown with instructions and how-to photos. Some involve sewing: cycling breeches, spats, sleeve garters, suspenders, a cravat. Others involve more hardware: steampunk gauntlet, goggles, blaster, pendant. All give basic instructions, with some suggestions for other versions.
• 
  Eri | Encrucijadas literarias

  En este libro vamos a ver específicamente moda, ropa y accesorios del steampunk para hombre y mujeres. explicando bien las diferentes manifestaciones que pueden verse en las vestimentas que suelen vestir pasando por alta costura, la vestimenta de artistas que es un poco más llamativa y elaborada, otra sección basada en los viajes y en los exploradores, trabajadores y lo de "uso diario" ya alguien quisiera usar eso con +30 grados claro que si!
  Si bien ya venia con una idea un poco más clara del estilo estético que maneja este genero basado en la ciencia ficción, la época victoriana, la fantasía, el raso, el encaje, el cuero y un poco de manecillas, relojes, engranajes y lata... debo decir que encontrarme aquí con diseñadores, modelos y boutiques que se encarguen de hacer esos diseños es WOW, hay algunos que son preciosos, he visto gargantillas y sombreros que incluso yo quiero usar! y puedes hacer un montón de accesorios si te animas con los DIY que tiene este libro.
  Si te gusta la moda, si te interesa conocer un poco más de las variantes que tiene este genero e incluso si se te ocurre armar alguna cosita para ti mismo, este libro es fantástico!
• 
  Jo

  A catalogue (fashion plates?) of steampunk designers. Unfortunately many of those in the book are now not trading or have moved on from steampunk design. Still, a lot to inspire if you are looking to create a steampunk look.
• 
  Libby

  Beautiful, gorgeous photographs. I really wish I'd had an actual book to read, I checked this out through Hoopla and it was awkward to read. I'd love to see bigger versions of the photos. Also nice were the DIY projects included in the book.
• 
  Rea K

  Picked this up from the library for my dad because he's been talking on about steampunk since he read the original steampunk novel. Pretty sure all he knows about steampunk now is that it's not really set in stone as one specific idea. True. Steampunk, according to this book, is bizarre and unique to everyone who wants to be steampunk. However, I'll admit that upon flipping through it myself, some of these folks are nuts. I would never ever imagine some of this stuff. I guess my idea of steampunk is definitely not the same as their idea.
  It's interesting, there are even people I RECOGNIZED (names, THE PORTRAIT FROM THE PARASOL PROTECTORATE, etc). Of course, that cannot have been Mythbusters' dude, because that totally didn't look the same. *denies everything*
  A few typos, most NOTICEABLY STEAL INSTEAD OF STEEL in one spot (hello, it's a steel-boned corset, not a steal-boned corset unless we are thieving to gain the materials). Had me doubting my own grasp on the English language.
  Some DIY stuff, but, to be completely honest, it was stuff I didn't care about, like homemade spats and a cravat and some trinkets. When I figure out the whole sewing thing, I want to invest in dress-making, not spats-making.
• 
  Debra

  One cannot learn about the Steampunk science fiction genre without learning about the Steampunk culture that has grown and continued the genre’s popularity. Gleason profiles the various designers, inventors, craftsmen and performers that have made the community as rich and diverse as it is. I'm sure those deep in the community will gossip about who was worthy of getting into the book, and who was not.
  
  I've tried making a corset and other steampunk essentials before, and failed pretty spectacularly, so when I say the outfits are well-crafted and amazing, it means they're well-crafted and amazing. And the props are ingenious. There are DIY tutorials for making your own steampunk clothing staples (goggles, spats, gun, etc.). If you want to make your own costume one day, this book is definitely an inspiration!
  
• 
  James Hill

  from Todd:
  
  Not only is this a beautifully published book with excellent color photographs, it is wonderfully well-organized, breaking down the various fashion subgenres of this complex movement of self-expression. Gleason, the book's author, also eminently understands the literary and historical underpinnings that inform the fashion trends, and even includes craft interludes to show how easily people can make elements of their costume on their own. This is definitely written by an insider who wants interested outsiders to discover how they can fit in, and dynamically presents the various creative avenues at their disposal. Moreover, Gleason demonstrates in a pleasingly subtle way that this is one subculture happily embraced in America by people of all colors, body types and financial means. The quest to understand steampunk as a social phenomenon of the 21st Century begins here!
• 
  Melinda

  I really liked this book because the fashion and images are lovely and it's the first book I've picked up that deals with steampunk that address racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in steampunk. The genre isn't (in my experience) as diverse and well rounded as this book addressing steampunk fashion. It has a few DIY projects for folks interested in incorporating steampunk into their personal style. The book also introduces readers to different designers, musicians, and cosplayers within the steampunk scene. I thoroughly enjoyed this overview.
• 
  Susannah

  This is a really great book for steampunk fans. Firstly it is full of quality photographs of steampunk creations and steampunk fashions. Many leading creators of steampunk clothing and accessories are profiled, as well as performers and musicians. This book is very inspiring for creating my own steampunk look, especially as it profiles so many different variations on the steampunk theme. There are also DIY instructions for creating your own steampunk jewellery and clothing accessories. I love the image on the cover as well - it is perfect.
• 
  Jaq

  Wow - is this a treat for the eyes, and for those practical beings, it's a great introduction to creating some of the more basic pieces of steam punk.
  
  I really enjoyed the beautiful imagery, the talent of the artists who create the costumes is boundless. The only drawback was I found that the written prose sometimes repeated itself, which was the only detraction I could find to this wonderful collection of amazing outfits.
  
  If you're interested in the art of costume making, steampunk or even just the alternative, then this is a great book for you!
• 
  Ty Barnett

  I just want to say, I never knew all the different kinds of Steampuck fashions. I was amazed at all the pictures of the crafters and designers. From shoes to watches and dresses for women and clothes for men, the different styles and sizes, it was nice the fashions fit big women too. After I got the book , my daughter took it from me because she is fan of steampunk fashions. She enjoyed it very much. I will proudly display this book in my home from anyone who would to look or read it.
  
• 
  Lisa

  i had hopes for this book i love the look of steampunk but my understanding of steampunk is the victorian age with innovation and technology. this book all of the costumes looked cheap and sorry to say they looked like something from a bad cheap porno flick. i was very disappointed. on the plus side the cover got it a star
• 
  Catherine

  Gorgeous photography book on steampunk fashion and accessories. I really appreciated the author's effort to include a diverse range of steampunk designers and fans, as well as the fun how-to projects. We're looking forward to trying a few of these at home. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about steampunk style and fashion
• 
  Sam

  Gorgeous photos! A few tutorials on simple projects, but nothing you couldn't have found online. If you're just interested in the fashion of Steampunk, both male and female, I would recommend for a page through, but don't throw money down on it; get it from a library.
• 
  Laura Morrigan

  A beautiful book of Steampunk fashion with a great variety of styles and good information on the actual designers. Highly recommended.
• 
  Rose

  love the fashion and photos!
• 
  Kara

  
  So weird! So pretty!