Clockwork Rhetoric

The Language and Style of Steampunk

By: Barry Brummett (Editor)

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Paperback | 28 October 2016

At a Glance

Paperback
244 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.4

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<This unique book explores how the aesthetic and cultural movement “Steampunk” persuades audiences and wins new acolytes. Steampunk is an aesthetic style grounded in the Victorian era, in clothing and accoutrements modeled on a heightened and hyper-extended age of steam. In addition to its modeling of attire and other symbolic trappings, what is most distinctive is its adherents’ use of a machined aesthetic based on steam engines and early electrical machinery—gears, pistons, shafts, wheels, induction motors, clockwork and so forth.

Precursors to steampunk can be found in the works of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. The imagery of the American West contributed to the aesthetic—revolvers, locomotives, and rifles of the late nineteenth century. Among young people, steampunk has found common aesthetic cause with Goth style. Examples from literature and popular culture include William Gibson’s fiction, China Miéville’s novels, the classic film Metropolis, and the BBC series Doctor Who. This volume recognizes that steampunk, a unique popular culture phenomenon, presents a prime opportunity for rhetorical criticism.

Steampunk’s art, style, and narratives convey complex social and political meanings. Chapters in Clockwork Rhetoric explore topics ranging from jewelry to Japanese anime to contemporary imperialism to fashion. Throughout, the book demonstrates how language influences consumers of steampunk to hold certain social and political attitudes and commitments

Industry Reviews

I loved the book! Clockwork Rhetoric is one of the finest evaluations yet written on steampunk style. The many contributors do an excellent job of establishing the myriad languages of steampunk (or is it only one?), from the seen aesthetics of fashion and film to its literary evaluations of the social and sexual. I found myself constantly rethinking the definition of Machine - both the ones we create physically as well as the ones we construct socially. Clockwork Rhetoric is a brilliant addition to an ever-evolving genre. More like this!"" - Brent Glenn, Emory University

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