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Of War and Wings single work   short story   fantasy  
Issue Details: First known date: 2014... 2014 Of War and Wings
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

In an alternative nineteenth-century London, 'angels'–men and women kitted out with brass and leather wings–fight an ongoing war against alien invaders.

Exhibitions

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Notes

  • Steampunk note: Included in an anthology that collects steampunk stories with alien encounters. An alternative London has been invaded by an alien force seeking to colonise the planet. The inhabitants of the city fight back with human-powered flight suits of copper and leather, until they can finally unleash a steam-powered armada. The general feel is Victorian, although the anachronism extends to aspects that are more reminiscent of twentieth-century wars, especially the commentary on the war being 'over by Christmas' (synonymous with World War I) and the lines of people sheltering for safety in the stations of the London Underground (although the Underground opened in 1863, its use as urban bomb shelters is more reminiscent of World War II).

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Clockwork Universe : Steampunk vs Aliens Patricia Bray (editor), Joshua Palmatier (editor), United States of America (USA) : Zombies Need Brains , 2014 10492323 2014 anthology short story

    'When aliens reach Earth, they encounter the clockwork mechanisms and Victorian sensibilities of a full-blown steampunk civilization. Inspired by the classic science fiction adventure tales of the nineteenth century, leading fantasy and science fiction authors will bring us tales of first contact with a twist, as steam power meets laser cannons . . . and dirigibles face off against flying saucers.'

    Source: Publisher's blurb.

         United States of America (USA) : Zombies Need Brains , 2014     pg. 152-163
  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Please Look after This Angel and Other Winged Stories Tansy Rayner Roberts , Australia : Tansy Rayner Roberts , 2017 11942239 2017 selected work short story fantasy

    'Even the most ordinary lives have extraordinary moments.

    'A breath of frozen time.

    'A shabby angel spotted in a bookshop, or at a party.

    'An ex-girfriend turned famous poet, who wants to trap you as her muse.

    'A lonely prisoner, weaving a tangled web to pass the time when her lover will actually notice her.

    'A soldier, exhausted from the War Effort against the aliens, making an emotional connection with her enemy.

    'These stories have wings.'

    Source: Publisher's blurb.

         Australia : Tansy Rayner Roberts , 2017
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Last amended 16 Feb 2017 13:23:05
Subjects:
Settings:
  • London,
    c
    England,
    c
    c
    United Kingdom (UK),
    c
    Western Europe, Europe,
  • ca. 1800-1899
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