Democratising the Past to Improve the Future:

An Interview with Steampunk Godfather Paul Di Filippo

Abstract

Critically acclaimed science fiction author Paul Di Filippo is regularly recognised as a founding figure in the neo-Victorian aesthetic movement known as steampunk. Indeed, his 1995 short story collection, The Steampunk Trilogy, has been credited with giving this movement its name. In the following interview Di Filippo shares his thoughts on the evolution of steampunk as an artistic phenomenon. He also considers this relatively new mode of storytelling in relation to the history of science fiction as well as Victorian literature and culture.