Frankenstein: Original 1818 Text with Illustrations

by Everlasting Classics, Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, or The Modern PrometheusOriginal, unabridged 1818 edition23 hand-crafted Gothic illustrationsThoughtful philosophical introductionHistorical Villa Diodati summer of 1816Biography of Mary Shelley______________________________________________When young scientist Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret of creating life, he believes he has achieved greatness. But the moment his creature opens its eyes, Victor flees in horror, abandoning the being he brought into existence. Alone and rejected, the creature learns language, literature, and human nature—only to realize he will never be accepted. What follows is a devastating tale of revenge that stretches from the Swiss Alps to the frozen Arctic, as creator and creation pursue each other to the ends of the earth.

Widely considered one of the founding works of science fiction and a masterpiece of Gothic literature, Frankenstein is a profound exploration of scientific responsibility, human nature, and what we owe to those we bring into existence. This edition presents the original, unabridged 1818 text—the rawest and most philosophically powerful version of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking novel, written when she was just eighteen years old. Enhanced with atmospheric Gothic illustrations for each chapter and comprehensive historical context, this edition invites readers to experience Shelley's vision as it was meant to be read.

308 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2025

Reviews

[Alex Wilcon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I get why this book is a classic but I really just don’t love the old writing style. If it uses “shew” instead of “show” or “quit” instead of “left”, it’s probably not the book for me. But writing style aside, I felt like there were some major plot holes. I don’t think the book does a good enough job of explaining why Victor hated the creature from the moment it opened its eyes. He knew the creature was big and ugly the whole time he was making him. What did he think was going to happen when he opened his eyes? And how many times is this guy going to be “overcome with sickness” for weeks at a time?? Maybe it’s a period thing that I don’t understand but… was that normal??

[Philip Gephardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic for a reason

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein remains one of the most powerful works in literature, and this new illustrated edition renews its life in a way that feels both timeless and immediate. The art does not merely accompany the story; it deepens it. Each illustration feels alive with atmosphere, revealing layers of emotion that words alone can only suggest.

You can see the despair in Victor’s eyes as he contemplates his creation, the loneliness carved into the Creature’s face, and the stark grandeur of the landscapes that frame their pursuit. The artwork enhances Shelley’s vision without overshadowing it, capturing the tragic beauty and moral complexity at the heart of the novel.

Reading this version feels like entering the story anew. The images draw out the tenderness and terror that have always defined Frankenstein, reminding readers that this is not just a tale of horror but a meditation on responsibility, ambition, and the search for understanding.

This illustrated edition is a work of devotion to the original text, crafted with respect and creativity in equal measure. It belongs on the shelf of anyone who loves great storytelling, whether encountering the novel for the first time or returning to it years later. A perfect union of art and literature, and a reminder that the creature’s story is, above all, human. Five stars.

[Krista Ann Schwimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I read Frankenstein. Even better than the first time. Love the structure of the book, particularly the use of letters, as well as the moral dilemma presented.

My only complaint in this edition was the printing quality. The illustrations could be more crisp.