Travis I. Sivart and Wendy L. Callahan are both published steampunk authors, as well as having a weekly radio show on the subject. Though they do not claim to be the ultimate or complete authority in this beloved genre, they wrote this book hoping to help new folks find their way into the hobby, or help others expand their knowledge of the aesthetic. They also drew upon the knowledge, expertise, and wisdom of many others (like their cats) from the steampunk community, making their book an inclusive and cooperative work.