The Pastoral Victorian

The very essence of steampunk is the culture of the Victorian era.  Interestingly enough, the focus is always on high society and science fiction innovation.  However, to construct a complete culture, even world, one must look to the peasantry and the rural life.  The farmer, woodsman, and huntsman were integral to the empire and society in general.  Some of the last to gain access to new technology, they clung to the old ways faster and longer, and produced a very different view of innovation, and yet even provided situations for innovation to thrive.

There is BBC Two documentary miniseries that highlights this life, and provides valuable, historical information on the life and times of the Victorian farmer, and Victorian pastoral life.  The series is called "Victorian Farm" and is no longer being aired on the BBC, and DVD copy has not made a US release.  If you are able to play region 2 coded DVDs, I suggest you purchase a copy.  There is also an accompanying book (also in "Christmas Edition").  For us Americans without access to British DVD technology, you may watch on YouTube:

This series is quite wonderful to watch for entertainment value as well as educational content.  The crew made a sister series called Edwardian Farm as well (also on YouTube), for those of you who like to revisit the colonial days.  One book, referenced on the Victorian Farm frequently, and used as the primary source of information, was Henry Stephens's Book of the Farm.

Well, there you have it, for your cosplay, fiction writing, gaming, and lifestyle choices, here is yet another valuable resource to help you fill out your steampunk fantasies.  Good Journey.