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[steam + punk]
neologism : a sub-genre of speculative science fiction
set in an anachronistic 19th century society
"There is a new genre climbing to popularity within
the science fiction world of writing: steampunk. A
mix of Victorian times and futuristic [steam] machines
clash to create a unique world.."
I try to find the meaning of 'speculative' in this context.
Even if I were a true born native speaker I'm afraid I would not understand.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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speculative in this case means, "What would it have been like if these technologies and cultures had coexisted?"
formerly known as etaoin...
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Carpal Tunnel
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Thank you Shrdlu, that makes sense, only I thought in Victorian times [steam] machines already existed.
Maybe I'm totally anachronistic myself.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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have you seen the movie Wild Wild West? they had a steam-powered tank, steam-powered airship, etc.
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Carpal Tunnel
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as t mentions, it takes steam to a whole new level.
formerly known as etaoin...
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Carpal Tunnel
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Not steam but I read not too long ago* a novel that took place in a Victorian England where Babbage had built and successfully marketed his difference engine. They were everywhere.
*Long ago that I don't remember the title or author.
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Carpal Tunnel
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The Difference Engine, by Gibson/Sterling? link
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Carpal Tunnel
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Amazon isn't being real dialup friendly right now, but that looks like it could be the one. It featured a rather different look in the division of the North American continent without any sort of explanation of whether it had any connection with the difference engine.
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Carpal Tunnel
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I've read some pages and somehow to me it evoques Winsor McCay's Little Nemo in novel form. Don't know if this is my steaming hot cup of the tea.
Those movies then look like action and gadgets. Thank you both for the info. I'm getting the picture.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Not my cup of tea, either. Moving things with no animus
are far from reality.
----please, draw me a sheep----
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