The first of three projected companions to the acclaimed Burton & Swinburne series of steampunk novels, this contains six brand new short stories featuring Burton and Swinburne and their various companions, plus short essays, two screenplays fragments, and other related material. Contents: INTRODUCTION THE VISITATION—In which an author at work is interrupted by an unexpected guest. THE AFFAIR OF THE WHISPERING CAB DRIVER—In which Algernon Swinburne's insistence that every cab ride costs a shilling comes back to haunt him. BURTON’S FIRST FORGOTTEN DREAM—In which worlds and schemes beyond even Burton's experience are unveiled. THEATRICAL TRAILER: THE STRANGE AFFAIR OF SPRING HEELED JACK—Probably not coming soon to a cinema anywhere near you. BURTON’S SECOND FORGOTTEN DREAM—In which the requirement for suitable puppets is recognised. DETECTIVE INSPECTOR TROUNCE SETTLES THE SCORE—In which the Scotland Yard detective encounters a familiar face. STEAMPUNK: THE SPIRIT OF TIME—In which the author details his theory concerning the popularity of steampunk. BURTON’S THIRD FORGOTTEN DREAM—In which the players are selected. SCREENPLAY (FRAGMENT)—If it *was* coming to a cinema near you, it might be something like this. CREATING BURTON & SWINBURNE—In which the author’s thought processes are revealed. COUNTESS SABINA TRAINS A GHOST—In which Charles Doyle learns how to be useful even though he's dead. BURTON’S FOURTH FORGOTTEN DREAM—In which a project is approved. THE CASE OF THE WAYWARD WENDIGO—In which Burton encounters the uncanny while travelling in Chile. BUILDING A WORLD FOR BURTON & SWINBURNE—In which the author reveals how he got away with it (if he did). THE CLOCKWORK MAN OF TRAFALGAR SQUARE—The first ever—previously unpublished—Burton & Swinburne tale (later adapted as the first three chapters of The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man). BURTON’S FIFTH FORGOTTEN DREAM—In which destinies are decided. ABOUT THE AUTHOR PLUS QUOTES, ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROPAGANDA (51,000 words.)