Frankenstein (Deluxe Edition)

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, John Coulthart (Illustrator)

Immerse yourself in the haunting world of Frankenstein , Mary Shelley's legendary gothic horror novel. First published in 1818, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's classic tale of science gone wrong that has electrified readers for over 200 years. This deluxe Frankenstein special edition brings the dark drama and imagination of this seminal work of classic science fiction and horror to vivid life. It follows the story of gifted scientist Victor Frankenstein and the hideous creature he unwittingly unleashes. Featuring the complete Mary Shelley 1818 edition text, 25 full-page illustrations by the acclaimed John Coulthart, recipient of the World Fantasy Award’s Artist of the Year award, bonus material including John Polidori’s The Vampyre and Lord Byron’s “The Darkness”—the two other works created during the famous 1818 contest that sparked Frankenstein–this one-of-a-kind edition yields an exceptional reading experience. Rediscover the ethical dilemmas and unforgettable characters that make Frankenstein a beloved piece of classic literature. An essential addition to any horror or science fiction fan's library. With compelling cover art, distinctive gilded page edges, ribbon marker, and more, this collectible hardcover volume stands out on the shelf. An immortal tale reimagined, Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece has found new life. A haunting story made tangible, this makes the ideal gift for readers of horror stories, classic novels, and collectors of classic books for adults. Treat yourself or a fellow literary lover to this striking Frankenstein keepsake edition.

Genres: Horror, Classics

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Mary Shelley (née Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, often known as Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley) was an English novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, biographer, travel writer, and editor of the works of her husband, Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. She was the daughter of the political philosopher William Godwin and the writer, philosopher, and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft.

Mary Shelley was taken seriously as a writer in her own lifetime, though reviewers often missed the political edge to her novels. After her death, however, she was chiefly remembered only as the wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley and as the author of Frankenstein. It was not until 1989, when Emily Sunstein published her prizewinning biography Mary Shelley: Romance and Reality, that a full-length scholarly biography analyzing all of Shelley's letters, journals, and works within their historical context was published.

The well-meaning attempts of Mary Shelley's son and daughter-in-law to "Victorianise" her memory through the censoring of letters and biographical material contributed to a perception of Mary Shelley as a more conventional, less reformist figure than her works suggest. Her own timid omissions from Percy Shelley's works and her quiet avoidance of public controversy in the later years of her life added to this impression.

The eclipse of Mary Shelley's reputation as a novelist and biographer meant that, until the last thirty years, most of her works remained out of print, obstructing a larger view of her achievement. She was seen as a one-novel author, if that. In recent decades, however, the republication of almost all her writings has stimulated a new recognition of its value. Her voracious reading habits and intensive study, revealed in her journals and letters and reflected in her works, is now better appreciated. Shelley's recognition of herself as an author has also been recognized; after Percy's death, she wrote about her authorial ambitions: "I think that I can maintain myself, and there is something inspiriting in the idea". Scholars now consider Mary Shelley to be a major Romantic figure, significant for her literary achievement and her political voice as a woman and a liberal.

Reviews

[Mark Kamibayashiyama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna hype up the book. Just watch the Del Toro film imo. 3.25 ⭐️

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves a 5 star rating when you learn the background of the story itself. Mary Shelley absolutely deserves all the accolades for breaking gender norms and creating something other than frilly romance. I absolutely love that this book is considered by many to be the birth of Sci-Fi. This is my first time doing an actual read through and I really enjoyed it. It did take me a little bit to get used to the writing of the dialogue but I really think that it added to the overall atmosphere of the writing. Also in this edition specifically, the artwork is stunning!

[Cal Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, my only note is that I personally had a hard time with reading comprehension. But that’s not a fault of the book so much as my own ability to digest the contents of it. However that being said it was hard to get into at first being as this was one of my first books that was written over 190 years ago. I had to adjust but once I did it was thoroughly enjoyable.

[Chloee Cawthon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the beginning and rated it 5 stars until about halfway through when Victor’s monologues started to get really repetitive and boring. My favorite chapters were the Creature chapters. Wild to see his perspectives on the cottage family and his observations of humanity.

[William Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley was surprisingly good. I didn’t think it was going to be as horrific as it eventually turned out to be. Even with it’s gothic horror vibes, this novel is focused more on sympathy and looking over your creation. Don’t abandon what you have created. People can be ignorant and it is your job to stand by what you believe.

The art in this book was phenomenal. You see Frankenstein’s monster as how he truly looks like. The Universal Classics version does not do him justice!

I recommend “Frankenstein”. It will open your eyes to a different world 🧟‍♂️.