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Hauntingly Faustian, Frankenstein is the uncanny tale of dark scientific experimentation and is known as the first science fiction novel. Redefining gothic horror literature, Mary Shelley's masterpiece observes what it means to be human.
Young scientist Victor Frankenstein pillages graveyards for body parts and organs to fulfil his macabre desire to create life. Piecing together fragments of corpses to fashion the 'perfect' human, Frankenstein's unorthodox experiment plunges into a nightmare when the scientist shocks his creation to life with electricity. The grotesque being that emerges is a monster beyond his creator's capabilities, and he is sent out into the world alone, confused, and consumed by an uncontrollable hatred for Victor Frankenstein.
First published in 1818, this novel is one of the most impactful tales of the cycle of destruction. Not to be missed by fans of gothic horror.
About the author
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." Born in 1797, she was the daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin. Shelley's literary career began in the early 19th century, and she became a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement.
Her works often explore themes of creation, ambition, and the human condition, reflecting her interest in science and ethics. In addition to "Frankenstein," she wrote several other novels, including "The Last Man" and "Valperga; or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca." Shelley's writing is characterized by its deep psychological insight and complex characters, particularly her portrayals of women navigating patriarchal societies. Shelley's influence extends beyond her lifetime, as her ideas and themes resonate in contemporary literature and discussions about gender, power, and morality. She remains a significant figure in both Gothic and science fiction literature.
