Why does Alek sleep with a knife under his pillow?ģ. What is Alek doing at the opening of the story that foreshadows events to come?Ģ. Have students work in small groups to research and present a multimedia presentation on the causes of World War I.ġ. Ask readers to use reference books or electronic research sources to find out as much information as they can about the following: boffin, bulbous, emissary, fortnight, iridescent, Luddite, propaganda, skulduggery, solidarity, sustenance, translucent, and tremulous.Ģ.

Some terms cited in the story will likely be unfamiliar to most readers. See and for further background information and to learn more about Steampunk. Such machinery may be fictional like those found in this series by Scott Westerfeld, or in the works of H. Steampunk is a literary genre or sub-genre of science fiction that features steam-powered machinery inspired by the industrialized Western civilization during the nineteenth century. Some students may be unfamiliar with steampunk, or they may have read stories or seen films that fit the category but do not realize it. The Leviathan trilogy is an example of steampunk. With World War I brewing, Alek’s and Deryn’s paths cross in the most unexpected ways, taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.ġ. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered. Deryn Sharp is a commoner disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. All he has is a battle-torn war machine and a loyal crew of men. Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. This guide draws back the curtain and reveals the inner depths of Westerfeld’s fascinating alternative world. Loaded with detailed descriptions and elaborate illustrations of Darwinist beasties and Clanker walkers, weapons, transport, and uniforms, this manual highlights the international powers that Deryn and Alek encounter throughout their around-the-world adventures. The Manual of Aeronautics is a guide to the inner workings of the Darwinist and Clanker powers. In addition to the three novels, there is The Manual of Aeronautics, a lavishly illustrated, full-color companion. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, and together they embark on an around-the-world adventure, one that will change both their lives forever.

In this striking, futuristic rendition of an alternate past where machines are pitted against genetically modified beasts, Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides in the war. Their Leviathan is a whale airship and the most masterful beast in the British fleet. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition.

Leviathan behemoth goliath