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What is Steampunk fiction?

Neil Mach SpeakerNet Sponsor


Region:
South East
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
author and social historian
Fee:
Expensed: the speaker would appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses
Category:
Humanities
Updated:
21st August 2025

Following Neil Mach’s very popular slideshow presentation titled “What is Fantasy Fiction?” the Surrey author now offers an engaging 45-minute slideshow on the topic of Steampunk.

Have you ever heard the term but wondered what it meant?

The author explains what steampunk is via an enoyable and informative slideshow.

Steampunk adevntures offer young readers a captivating journey through Britain’s early industrial age. Steampunk tales facilitate the examination of alternate histories, grappling with difficult subjects like child labour, inequality, poverty, and imperial ambition while avoiding excessive moralising.

Steampunk stories provide a creative, simpler fictional world that allows readers the chance to escape the complexities and troubles of modern times.

The movement’s conceptual and visual appeal stems from steampunk’s blend of retro-futuristic tech, 'steam age' design, and the awesome imaginative potential of Victorian industrial pioneers.

Steampunk is a transformational genre where an author can examine the nature of our contemporary world by reimagining Victorian / Edwardian society, twisting the historical timelines into a distorted form that emphasizes steam-technology but also considers the sentiments, the etiquettes, and the manners of the period.

This lively 45-minute slideshow will teach you:

  • The origins of the genre

  • The difference between steampunk and science fiction

  • How the genre reinterprets romanticism

  • How steampunk fosters creative thought

  • How steampunk promotes historical investigation

  • How steampunk critically examines technology, prompting readers to question their established beliefs

  • How steampunk narratives offer an enjoyable way to examine imperialism and the dangers of technological fallout

  • How steampunk attracts young people to think about steam, brass, leather, wood, copper, and tin manufacturing

  • How steampunk audiences will discover the elegant stylishness of steam technology and contrast it with today’s ‘throwaway’ digital culture

You are already halfway to comprehending + enjoying Steampunk literature if you ever loved Sherlock Holmes mysteries, devoured Dan Dare comics, read and reread Jules Verne’s novels, and found Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and H. G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” to be enthralling... because all those stories incorporate elements of the Steampunk genre.

This presentation is perfect for book clubs, writer’s workshops, writing groups, or any community association.

Neil has given presentations at conventions, schools, universities, writers’ gatherings, community centres, and assisted living facilities. He can cater for any size group: large or small, and creative people of any age.

Views: 428 | Enquiries: 0

About Neil Mach

Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is, this speaker has delivered his entertaining illustrated presentations to audiences large & small, from theatres to living rooms, from care homes to first schools!

Neil has given his amazing presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and neighbourhood associations big-and-small for over five years.

With over 20 books written, Neil is a published ethical author and he describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad' and 'community historian.'

His home is Staines by the River Thames but Neil is willing to travel in the South-East and the Thames Valley and has given his slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.

After retiring from over 35 years in public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.

During 2021, Neil curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of the pop record charts in British music history. In 2024, Neil arranged a temporary exhibition that focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject, and wrote a book on the 'history of suburban rock 'n' roll'.

Neil hosts his own podcast show (now in its fifth year, with over 125 episodes broadcast) and he makes regular appearances on TV and frequent guest appearances on radio and podcast.

If you need him quickly Neil is often available at short notice (less than a week).

Neil is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so he offers his illustrated talks for free, but he'd appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.

Neil brings mementos, artifacts, costumes (!) and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.

What audiences are saying...

"Grateful thanks for your entertaining and informative presentation on Wednesday. It really was enjoyed and much appreciated!"

  • Mole Valley Stroke Club

"Thank you so much for your talk today. It was just what we wanted..."

  • Wadhurst Probus

"Lots of great feedback today Neil. We’d love to have you back..."

  • Time2Meet, Carshalton

"I just wanted to thank you again for your talk. I had some great feedback, everyone found your talk interesting & entertaining..."

  • NHS Retirement Fellowship, Reigate

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Links:

https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach

https://www.neilmachauthor.com/

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