Shelley, M: Frankenstein

"Frankenstein, " originally published in 1818, is Mary Shelley's first novel and was published when she was only twenty years of age. It tells the story of the brilliant young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who discovers the 'principle of life' and brings into being, with catastrophic consequences, the grotesque but pitiful creature that has since become renowned throughout the world. The novel was an immediate popular success, and is generally considered a landmark work of gothic literature. Thought-provoking, tragic, and supremely influential, "Frankenstein" is a must for any reader interested in love and ambition, the nature of life, and early science fiction.

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Mary Shelley, born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (1797-1851), was the daughter of philosopher and political writer William Godwin and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft (The Vindication of the Rights of Woman). Mary Shelley had a painful and turbulent life. Her mother died shortly after giving birth. Mary ran away with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, a married student of her father's, which resulted in alienation from her family and scandal. The couple traveled throughout Europe and lost their first child in 1815. Then, Mary's half-sister committed suicide, followed shortly thereafter by Percy's wife Harriett. This unfortunate circumstance allowed Percy and Mary to be wed in 1816. Percy Shelley drowned while sailing in 1822, leaving Mary as a young widow and mother. Mary Shelley is renowned for Frankenstein, but she also wrote additional novels, working to support her son and keeping her husband's legacy alive. She died of brain cancer in 1851.

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At this challenge, Mary Shelley began work on the 'ghost story' that was to evolve into the most celebrated horror novel in literary history. Frankenstein was published the next year and become the rage of London. In the generations since, the story of Victor Frankenstein and the monster he created has been read by millions all over the world. It has inspired hundreds of imitations, but it has never been equaled for its masterful manipulation of the elements of horror and suspense.