Boilerplate, History’s Mechanical Marvel
Paul Guinan & Anina Bennett
Abrams Image, $24,95, 168 pages, illustrated, ISBN: 9780810989504
reviewed by Barry Hunter

Unknown to most of the general public, Professor Archibald Campion built the first robot soldier in 1893 and he was involved in many of the events that took place in the world until his disappearance in 1918 fighting in World War I.

There are over 350 color illustrations showing Boilerplate with historical features ranging from Nikola Tesla, Teddy Roosevelt, T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), and General John Pershing.

His adventures carried him from the World Exposition in Chicago, Antarctica, Egypt, Panama, Cuba, The Philippines, Hawaii, and China. Boilerplate and Professor Campion traveled the world and met many people; many of their names will be familiar to you.

This is a prime example of steampunk that tells a delightful and entertaining tale. It is also a fun way to revisit history that may not be as familiar today as it needs to be. This is a perfect gift for the history buff, robot and steampunk fans as well as those who love a look at an alternate history that reads as real.