Definition
Commentary
While I've never read any of the zombie-enhanced literature, I do appreciate the resurgence of interest in 19th-century, albeit with a darker twist.
At its core, steampunk represents a culture of anachronism that is part of the cyberpunk speculative fiction genre. I should note that this is similar to, but distinct from, the activities endorsed by the Society for Creative Anachronism which targets pre-17th century Europe.
See Also
-
Wondermark for an interesting comic that splices Victorian-era comics to discuss modern issues.
-
Steampunk Falt-panel LCD for examples of the lengths to which people go to encase modern technology in brass.
-
Information about the actual Victorian era (the one that really happened).