MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 LOST KNOWLEDGE STEAMPUNK RAYGUN WIMSHURST GENERATOR
Title: Make: Magazine – Volume 17, Lost Knowledge
Author/Editor: Edited by O’Reilly Media Staff
Publisher: O’Reilly Media / Makezine
Publication Date: March 2009
Format: Magazine
INTRODUCTION
Make: Magazine Volume 17, published in March 2009 by O’Reilly Media, is themed Lost Knowledge and highlights projects inspired by Victorian science, steampunk design, and forgotten inventions. This issue encourages readers to rediscover old technologies while reimagining them with modern maker creativity.
CONTENT OVERVIEW
The special section includes projects and features such as a steampunk raygun, a siphon coffee extractor, a teacup Stirling engine, and a cabinet of curiosities showcasing inventive builds. It also provides step-by-step guides for building a rubber band electric bass guitar, and Jake von Slatt’s detailed instructions for an incredible Wimshurst spark generator, featured on the cover.
Columns cover topics like maker history, energy innovation, and hands-on experimentation, with contributions from writers such as Gareth Branwyn, Cory Doctorow, and Saul Griffith.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Since its founding in 2005, Make: Magazine has been central to the Maker Movement, blending DIY electronics, crafting, mechanics, and culture. By 2009, the Maker Movement was in full swing, and themed issues like Lost Knowledge encouraged readers to connect modern creativity with historical invention.
The steampunk aesthetic, featured prominently in this volume, reflects a cultural moment when retro-futurist design was influencing art, fashion, and DIY technology. This issue is considered one of the most collectible for its striking imagery and focus on reimagined Victorian science.
KEY FEATURES
Volume 17 of Make: Magazine, published March 2009
Themed “Lost Knowledge” with cover feature on Jake von Slatt’s Wimshurst spark generator
Projects include:
Steampunk Raygun (“The Discreet Companion”)
Siphon Coffee Contraption
Teacup Stirling Engine
Cabinet of Curiosities / Lost Knowledge Catalog
Rubber Band Electric Bass Guitar
Features on William Blake, the power of steam, and retro science inventions
Columns by Gareth Branwyn, Cory Doctorow, Saul Griffith, and Bruce Sterling
Early issue from the iconic Make: Magazine series
Collectible magazine representing the steampunk influence on the Maker Movement
CONCLUSION
This Lost Knowledge issue of Make: Magazine captures a unique moment in DIY history, blending steampunk style with inventive projects that celebrate forgotten science and inspire modern creativity.
CONDITION NOTE
Please see the photos to assess the item's condition. Additional images are available upon request. We ship throughout the U.S. and internationally. International orders are always welcome. Combined shipping is available on all orders. Feel free to message us with any questions.
Carefully curated by Otto’s Books LLC – where history meets humanity. Every title we list is hand-selected for its storytelling power, research value, or cultural insight.
Q: What is the theme of this issue?
A: The issue is themed “Lost Knowledge” and features projects inspired by Victorian science and steampunk aesthetics.
Q: What is featured on the cover?
A: Jake von Slatt’s instructions for building an incredible Wimshurst spark generator.
Q: Why is this issue collectible?
A: It reflects the rise of steampunk in the Maker Movement and is one of the most memorable volumes for its design and inventive projects.
#makemagazine #makercommunity #lostknowledge #steampunk #oreillymedia #makemovement #diyprojects #hobbyelectronics #retroprojects #makerhistory #wimshurstgenerator #steampunkraygun #teacupstirlingengine #siphoncoffee #cabinetofcuriosities #doityourselftech #magazinecollectibles #2009magazines #maketechnology #victorianscience #makemagcollectors #tinkeringprojects #hobbyprojects #electronicsdiy #makercollectibles
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 LOST KNOWLEDGE STEAMPUNK RAYGUN WIMSHURST GENERATOR
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 LOST KNOWLEDGE 2009 DIY PROJECTS STEAMPUNK RAYGUN COFFEE KIT
MAKE MAGAZINE LOST KNOWLEDGE ISSUE VOL 17 DIY PROJECTS STEAMPUNK ENGINE 2009
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 LOST KNOWLEDGE STEAMPUNK WIMSHURST GENERATOR DIY
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 DIY STEAMPUNK RAYGUN STIRLING ENGINE LOST KNOWLEDGE 2009
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 LOST KNOWLEDGE DIY PROJECTS 2009 RETRO SCIENCE INVENTIONS
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 STEAMPUNK LOST KNOWLEDGE DIY PROJECTS MAKER MOVEMENT
MAKE MAGAZINE LOST KNOWLEDGE VOL 17 2009 DIY PROJECTS WIMSHURST GENERATOR COVER
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 DIY PROJECTS STEAMPUNK LOST KNOWLEDGE SPARK GENERATOR
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 LOST KNOWLEDGE STEAMPUNK SCIENCE DIY PROJECTS
MAKE MAGAZINE VOL 17 2009 LOST KNOWLEDGE STEAMPUNK RAYGUN WIMSHURST GENERATOR
09/13/2025