Vault of Frankenstein: 200 Years of the World's Most Famous Monster

by Paul Ruditis

The Vault of Frankenstein traces the incredible history of how the nameless abomination in Shelley's classic novel became a pop culture icon. Removable replica memorabilia—Shelley's manuscript pages, movie posters, a playbill, and a photograph of Boris Karloff on set for the iconic 1931 portrayal of the character—add an interactive element to this amazing retrospective.

Beginning with the story of how Mary Shelley first conceived of the novel (on a stormy night on the shores of Lake Geneva), The Vault of Frankensteintraces the Creature’s evolution from nameless literary character to international superstar, appearing in films, TV shows, comic books, and commercial merchandise.

Frankenstein’s monster has been a hero and a villain, in both comedies and dramas. He hastap danced with Gene Wilder, held a daisy by a stream, and even appeared on cereal boxes. With special attention placed on the 1931 film that lifted Frankenstein’s monster to a new level of stardom, this book explores the many facets of this enduring—and often tragically misunderstood—character.

Fantastic replica memorabilia—enclosed in an elegantly designed envelope inside the back cover—bring the history to even more vivid life as you hold it in your hands:

The Bride of Frankenstein movie poster
Pages from Mary Shelley's original manuscript of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Photo of Boris Karloff on the set of Universal's Frankenstein

Playbill for Presumption; or The Fate of Frankenstein, the first stage adaptation of 
Frankenstein


Frankenstein movie poster
Relive the Creature's greatest pop culture moments in this new retrospective that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's masterpiece.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horror, Victor Frankenstein, Books About Books

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2018

About the author

Paul Ruditis also writes under the name P.J. Ruditis.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia where I lived a typical childhood with a far more interesting fantasy life. I mean, how many other eight year olds were sticking their Star Wars action figures in Ziploc bags filled with water and putting them in the freezer to recreate the ice planet of Hoth? (Really? That many? Never mind.)

After college, I moved to Los Angeles and was very lucky to get a job as a page at Paramount Pictures only months after I got into town. I worked as a tour guide and usher, and I performed temp office work around the lot.
Eventually, I took a position working in the studio's licensing department where I quickly worked my way up to middle management.

After a while, one of my friends in the publishing industry offered me the opportunity to write a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer short story for a collection she was editing. Well, when I heard how little money I could make as a writer, I immediately quit my job to try it full time. (Stupid, I know, but it kind of worked for me.)

I started out by writing books based on such wonderful TV shows as Star Trek, Roswell, and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. I have since written over 30 books based some of the best shows on TV, adding The West Wing, Alias, and Prison Break to that ever growing list.

While I continue to work on these media tie-ins, I have also been focused more on my own original fiction, including my teen series DRAMA! and the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy Love, Hollywood Style.

- Abridged Bio - Official Website.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love tales about monsters! Frankenstein has been one of my favorite classic monsters ever since I watched the old black and white movies with my dad as a child. I grew to love the character even more when I read the book that started it all. I have to admit I didn't read the classic book by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley until I was in college. I first came to enjoy the character based on all the cheesy monster movies, scary tales and pop culture references that morphed out of her tale. I have since read the book many, many times and love both the original character and the more Holllywood version.

The book Vault of Frankenstein traces the history of the character from the book's publication in 1818 through all the related novels, plays, movies and pop culture references. Frankenstein's monster has grown from a monstrous creation that didn't even have a name to a pop culture force all its own.

This book is just awesome! Not only does it give detailed facts about Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the book, the history of the character, the films, related novels and plays, actors who played the monster, and the pop culture history of the character, but the book is filled with many amazing illustrations and photos as well. I love how there are pictures of everything from Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's original hand written manuscript pages to Frankenstein themed postage stamps.

I have always loved the fact that the book grew out of a bet among friends during a boring, rainy summer in 1816. I wonder what Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley would think about the amazing journey her character has taken over the past 200 years? I think she would be impressed that the monster has taken on a life of its own....just like in the book. Just a bit less lonely and hopeless.

This is a beautiful book! After reading a review copy, I immediately ordered a copy for our keeper shelf. As a lover of classic monsters, I just had to have this book. The facts and descriptions are so interesting and the photos are awesome! Definitely full stars from this Frankenstein fan!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Quarto Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Radwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a similar book for many historic characters, to chronicle their life on page and screen and beyond!

This was such a joy to read, having only read Frankenstein quite recently, I enjoyed going in depth with its history and how it first left the pages. I never realized that I watched this amount of Frankenstein remakes, maybe because most of them adapted the idea but not the name (not directly, anyway). This book goes over theater adaptations, films, tv shows, cartoons, video games, comics, books and children books, figures and memorabilia, conventions presence and more. It's perfect for fans of Frankenstein or those who want to know more of the character's many different stages it went through.

It includes a ton of pictures and posters that made it extra fun to read. I highly recommend it.
I thank netgalley for the book!

[Mamalovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let it be known that I am an absolute Frankenstein nut! I have in my possession 14 different editions of the book that I have accumulated since I was 14, when I read the story for the first time and fell in love with the writing, the era and the life of Mary Shelley.
This latest tribute to the iconic monster we have all come to instantly recognize has been beautifully pieced together by Paul Ruditis and published by Quarto books. And a stunning tribute it is.

This book was a joy to read. Frankenstein has penetrated so many facets of pop-culture over the years and Paul Ruditis expertly brings together everything there is to know on the subject; the monster, the author and the movies.

As someone who has read extensively regarding all things Frankenstein, I didn’t think there was much left for me to learn, but I certainly found some great little nuggets in this commentary that I can add to my knowledge bank. Even if I hadn’t managed to learn anything new, the visuals alone in this book would make it an impulse purchase if I saw it in a bookshop. Unfortunately, I only had the pleasure of reviewing the e-ARC from NetGalley but I can tell this is a very well thought-out book that will have pride of place on my coffee table when I am fortunate enough to secure the hardcover edition.

If you are new to Frankenstein, either in book or movie form, this is a fabulous introduction to the history of how the story has stood the test of time and how it is as relevant in 2018 as it was when first published in 1818. The story has been the trigger for so many notable turning points in pop-culture. Mary Shelley is one of the original #ladiesofhorrorfiction, inspiring women everywhere to pick up the pen and the original Frankenstein movie, with the iconic monster as we all know him, sparked the golden age of horror cinema, with no other movie (in my opinion) ever coming close to the original Karloff masterpiece. While the book and movie differ on my levels, there is much to be gained from reading The Vault of Frankenstein to get a real appreciation for each medium in their own inspired ways and an amazing insight into the life of Shelley.

I can’t wait to get my grabby hands on a hardcover of this little gem in physical form!

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Mary Shelley’s 1818 book to The Munsters and beyond, the Vault of Frankenstein is an extensively researched look at the impact of a single book published 200 years ago.

“Only Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan and Dracula have appeared more often in media than Frankenstein’s monster.”

Not bad for a nineteen-year-old first-time writer who only wrote the horror tale on a dare from two older published poets. Her real story is almost as famous as the monster himself. It opens the Bride of Frankenstein and was the entire plot of three other movies.

The Vault of Frankenstein explores how a book written so long ago has inspired so many interpretations. Emphasizing movies and television shows, the book also briefly summarizes plays and books based on Frankenstein. The illustrations include pages from the first edition books, engravings of locations, playbills, movie posters, candid production shots and movie stills. The final chapter goes beyond film into cereal, cartoons, comics, dolls, models and music in the Frankenstein genre.

I consider myself a horror fan. I even had the Frankenstein model shown in this book. However, I learned many new facts from the Vault of Frankenstein. Who knew the original silent 1910 Frankenstein film is 13 minutes long, restored and available on YouTube? Or that Igor (or his original incarnation, Fritz) was a device used by plays and movies so the audience would know Dr. Frankenstein’s thoughts? He wasn’t in the book at all.

The Vault of Frankenstein is perfect for a horror fan or Frankenstein memorabilia collector. The hardcover includes replicas of book manuscript pages, a playbill, movie posters, and stills. This book is a fascinating deep dive into Frankenstein lore. 5 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Becker & Meyer, and NetGalley for granting my wish and providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Vault of Frankenstein: 200 Years of the World's Most Famous Monster' by Paul Ruditis is a look at all the ways the book Frankenstein has been used in culture and changed along the way.

Starting with the origins of the book by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, we learn of her life and love, the tragedies and upbringing that brought the book to life. We read about the stormy holiday that inspired the author.

From there, the book is transformed into a stage play, then movies, and television and cartoons. How the monster became known as Frankenstein when the book is clear that this is the name of the creator is discussed, along with the invention of the character Igor, who is never in the book. The various ways the monster has been portrayed, parodied and changed are discussed.

Throughout the book are tons of photos from original manuscript pages and paintings of the area in Switzerland where the book was created. There are photos of Boris Karloff having the Jack Pierce makeup applied. There are stills from the many ways the creature has appeared.

I really had a great time reading this book. As a fan of the book and the original James Whale film, I really liked how this book presented things. The material, written and visual, was very interesting.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - becker&mayer kids!, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Dev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley

This was definitely an interesting and informative read, but I felt like it went into maybe too much detail in some areas while it skipped other areas entirely. Like I understand how important the 1931 movie was in making Frankenstein a household name but the book just kept repeating the same facts about this movie while it was really supposed to be a section on other things. By the fifth time it was mentioned I fully understood how the studio copyrighted the monster's appearance and it forced other movies to use different designs.

Also I was hoping it would spend more time talking about other book adaptations of Frankenstein [there were only a few pages overall], but it mostly focused on movies and TV. I understand this decision since there are sooo many books that retell the Frankenstein story, but the more I read the more I realized that I had seen maybe like three of the movies mentioned while I have read countless books so I guess the information presented was a bit out of my wheelhouse. It was still an interesting read though and there are a lot of great pictures included.

[Ana on the Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a horror enthusiast or just a fan of Frankenstein? Then do grab this book because you will love it.



On “Vault of Frankenstein, 200 years of the World’s Most Famous Monster” we are presented with a journey that starts in the rainy and bleak summer of 1816 and that goes all the way to present day. Exploring how the monster with no name ended as a pop culture icon sharing the name of his creator, going over plays, movies, television series, dolls, merchandising and more.

By the end of this reading we are aware of how much Frankenstein’s monster is a part of our life, of how much we see its depiction and influence in all the media around us. One is also guided through the many changes that monster displays, the ups and downs, and how it has grown beyond Mary Shelley’s literary master piece.



From the depiction on the original novel to the iconic look of Boris Karloff. From a complex being of supreme intelligence to a kid friendly mascot or a grunting beast. Every point is noticed and briefly explained.

Well written, easy to read, with a well researched and nicely thought out layout this book is one that you will want to for your collection.

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are quickly approaching the 200 year anniversary of a novel written as a part of a challenge by a British woman staying in a castle on Lake Geneva. Mary Shelley's little project has become one of the most recognized characters in the twentieth and twenty-first century. The novel floated around with classic literature of the period without making a huge wave until Universal Studios' full-length movie in 1931. Since that time the Monster has appeared in numerous films and just about every form of entertainment from cartoons (Frankenstein Jr and Scooby Doo), an Aurora model kit, Lurch from the Addams Family and Herman Munster, and even the X-Files. Although these modern interpretations drift from the original storyline, many newer versions try to stick closer to the original in the story of themes such as the series Penny Dreadful. His fame has not been limited to America. A rather comical looking giant Frankenstein monster joins the Japanese monster collection battling a Godzilla-like monster.

The Vault of Frankenstein will give the reader a detailed history of the creature in all his variations. Today's along with last century's version of the monster have changed quite a bit. Shelley would never have dreamt that her monster would meet the Wolfman, Abbot, and Costello, or grace the box of breakfast cereal. She would also be surprised to find that there was an Igor (or "eye-gor" in Mel Brooks version) or the movies most quoted line "It's Alive" was never written in the novel. In fact, the creation of the monster itself is under-represented in the book compared to the movies.

The Vault of Frankenstein is filled with photographs and memorabilia of Frankenstein's creation. Photos of Shelley's original writing, movie posters, photographs of the actors who played the creature, and various items and props are included in the pages of the book. The book includes all outgrowth that is influenced by the creature's fame -- from the Monster Mash to postage stamps. A well written and illustrated history of a cultural icon.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This worked for me as a non-geeky mixture of cultural commentary and fan(goria)-boy homage to all things Frankensteinian. Half of it is concerned with unpicking who did what to the original Shelley novel, and half of it is a loving dumping of a great collection of images, artwork and so on connected to the characters. So we get the original three-volume publication under fully anonymous terms, right up to The Munsters and beyond – and let's not forget the two major cinematic iterations, namely those from Universal and Hammer (who, we see, couldn't even spell the author's surname correctly on some of its publicity posters!). It does quietly admit there are other books that have done similar things, but this belated tie-in to the book's 200th birthday certainly appealed – it never went Pseuds' Corner or nerdy, and still managed to flesh the Shelley concepts out as regards two centuries' worth of cribbing, riffing and plagiarising. Cultural experts may dismiss this as too slim – its lesson does boil down to "lawks, hasn't this been popular?!", but I wasn't in the market for anything more profound than this provides. A strong four stars.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Vault of Frankenstein' is the perfect addition to any true horror fan's collection and also shows the fascinating beginnings of this great tale up until modern times, when he is all but a Hollywood superstar where everyone knows his tale. I loved this volume because of the diversity it offers - both the history and the monster's rise through the ages. The pages are filled with interesting facts about how the story came to be, the author, the transition from printed story to play and then to movie fame. Along with the fascinating story, the book includes a ton of great photos, stills from movies, movie posters, copies of paintings and drawings and lots of other memorabilia from the novel and it's subsequent Hollywood fame. It's a definite must have for fans of the novel, any of the movies, horror buffs, and those who are fans of the great monster himself.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ioanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A wonderful, expertly-researched book on everything that has to do with Mary Shelley's masterpiece, Vault of Frankenstein is a collection of information and media material from the birth of the Frankenstein monster's concept to its depiction in modern cinema.

The book is very well-written, interesting and informative to the point of scary details! 200 years after its birth, learn everything you always wanted to know about Frankenstein's monster and its creator. A job very well done, this is a book definitely recommended for fans of Shelley and her creation.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally appeared @Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2018/...

Following on my Classics Reimagined Frankenstein review of last week, I also felt compelled to take a chance on Vault of Frankenstein: 200 Years of the World's Most Famous Monster. Covering the history of Mary Shelley's famous story, various adaptations and parodies, and including numerous drawings, picutres, and reproduction memorabilia, this book is a must have for all Frankenstein fans!

I was already familiar with Shelley's dreary 1816 trip to Geneva with her husband (Percy Bysshe Shelley) and their friend, Lord Byron, but I also discovered plenty about the legacy of Frankenstein that was new to me. I had no idea that Dracula (the 1931 movie) saved Universal Studios from a devastating year and made the funding of the classic Boris Karloff Frankenstein movie possible. Vault of Frankenstein also covers how the iconic Frankenstein look (flat head, scar and clamps) came to be. The book goes on to cover different evolutions of Frankenstein including The Bride of Frankenstein, and takes the reader on a tour through even more movies and TV series based on Frankenstein's monster.

From there, it is a short hop to Frankenstein-like creatures and themes showing up almost anywhere you look in pop culture. Ruditis shows is appearing in episodes of TV shows like The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Penny Dreadful. The monster can also be seen in more humorous incarnations such as Herman Munster (The Munsters) and Lurch (The Addams Family). Several movies even amp up the sexuality of the creature! And course Frankenstein's monster has been (re?)animated in several cartoons, and in a breakfast cereal.

What I enjoyed most about the Vault of Frankenstein is its comprehensiveness. It touches on every instance of Frankenstein from books, to plays, to movies, video games, comic books, music, and more. If you are into classic horror or pop culture, this book is definitely for you.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an in-depth read into the history and folklore of The Frankenstein story. Delving into the story of an unnamed monster in a little book written by Mary Shelley as a sort of dare during a retreat with Byron into a huge franchise of movies, theatre, books etc that I wonder what Mary would make of it all if she knew.
Over the years the story of this tortured soul has been told in many different ways and this book delves into them with beautiful photos and inside information which is a fascinating read not only for fans of Frankenstein but also classic horror in general.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A richly detailed and fully researched look at how the Frankenstein legend was born and evolved over time. I do wish it had mentioned the 2011 National Theatre production, my personal favorite adaptation, but that's a small quibble since so many other works are discussed - tons of which I'd never heard of before. Bottom line: if you like Frankenstein, you'll love this book!

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like others in this range of hardback books with bonus visual material, it attempts to provide a look at the story of the book ‘Frankenstein’ and the media that has been produced in its wake. Interesting until it reaches the 1930’s then starts struggling with the amount it has to cover while having one or two page spreads of familiar images. Best as a starting point for the unfamiliar rather than those who have already started to research it.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved looking through this intriguing book. Lots of cool pictures and things I didn’t know.

[Jane Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted and/or needed to know about Frankenstein. Tended to be a bit repetitive, but the pictures, movie posters and memorabilia made me absolutely love this book :)

[Asiana Circus · Rating 5 out of 5]

After more than 200 years Mary Shelley's monster is still one of the most famous ones. The Vault of Frankenstein explains how and why this specific monster story touched so many people over the centuries, how it became a pop sensation, and its impact on modern pop culture. It's engaging, well written, and the photos, illustrations, and art are just as good in the book. It's a must-read for the fans of Frankenstein.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful book about media and the titular classic character. The text is loaded with interesting detail and fascinating images.

Sure to grab a wide variety of readers.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

For classic film buffs and horror fans alike. This book is a fast, fun and interesting read, combining the history of the original novel, films and franchising...all with inside tidbits and gorgeous visuals.

[L.H. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect addition to any horror fanatics collection.

Whether you're a fan of the timeless character, or of Mary Shelley's work in general, there is so much to learn from this. Learning things that you may not have known about the author. While also seeing just how much Frankenstein's Monster has transitioned over time.
It still surprises me that there are some people who believe that Frankenstein is the monster, himself. Not that time and pop culture have helped with that.
The reader also gets gifted with beautiful images throughout the book. Drawing attention to a certain part of time that the no-name character has existed. I'm very glad that I got the chance to review this masterpiece.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential book for any fan of one of the most unique and enduring horror characters, this beautifully illustrated volume charts not just the origin of Frankenstein , and his evolution on the stage and big and small screens but also his impact on pop culture and why he has endured.
Crafted and curated with love, the book contains wonderful set photographs and illustrations to supplement the well researched text, which is packed full of fascinating tidbits. The book is laid out in a logical manner, beginning with the by now well known story of how the story came into being, as well as its publication history. The next section deals with the various stage adaptations and the early film productions before the Universal design which has become so well known and beloved as to be synonymous with the character, before moving on to the various other additions to the franchise ( and the myth) including the beloved Bride of Frankenstein. We then learn about how the arrival of TV brought the character to a whole new audience who had never seen the original movies , and how attempts have been made more recently to bring the character back to the screen , both on film and television. Of course no discussion of Frankenstein would be complete without a look at the comedy horrors where he has featured, from his adventures with Abbott and Costello in the 1940's to the award winning and enduringly popular Young Frankenstein , and of course not forgetting the lovable Herman Munster. Frankenstein has also had an enduring appeal for children, appearing in cartoons like Scooby Doo, comic books and on cereal boxes , as well as inspiring films such as Frankenweeie and even his grand daughter appears on Monster High and is a popular doll. From toys to stamps, books to computer games the legend of Frankenstein lives on, continuing to grow and evolve with seemingly endless popularity, and this book will appeal to anyone who considers themselves a fan.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Megsbookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t read novelty books like this but it sounded like an interesting read when NetGalley suggested it, so I figured take a chance. The Vault of Frankenstein did not disappoint! I’m not a big monster fan but this book had so many interesting tidbits that I quickly read it from cover to cover. I also found it amusing that I was just in Geneva, Switzerland and started reading this book, and learned that the original Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was written right there in a house on Lake Geneva! This book started out with history of the author and creator of Frankenstein and her life. Then it’s various chapters discussed how Frankenstein evolved and changed over time since it has been redone over and over again with every person adding their spin on the story of the monster. It was perfect timing to get me ready for Halloween!

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vault of Frankenstein by Paul Ruditis takes the reader from the earliest, mere inkling of the iconic Frankenstein, when it was but an idea in Shelley's mind, through to the enduring legacy still vibrantly alive today. This is the charting of a legend, the mark of an outstanding story. Centuries on, the book and characters continue to inspire new adaptations, in all manner of media, showing how our interpretations change via the lens of culture and social values. My favourite has to be National Theatre's Frankenstein play starring Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch, who took it in turns to play both Victor and his Creature. That version focused on the Creature's story, what it means to be abandoned as a child. I don't recall seeing it mentioned in this book though, which was a bit of a disappointment. This book is a great treasure for any who love Shelley's original book, the myriad adaptations, or are a classic horror buff in general. I enjoyed the digital ARC enough that I've ordered a hard copy!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[George1st · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mary Shelley as part of that famous competition on the shores of Lake Geneva which included Shelley and Byron devised a story about a scientist who created life but was later appalled and horrified of his creation, few could have predicted the lasting phenomenon that Frankenstein would become and its influence and mesmerising effects that it would have on future generations throughout the world.

In this wonderfully entertaining and informative book we learn of how the original story has been adapted, altered and developed across a variety of mediums including television theatre, books, comics and probably most importantly films. Indeed when one hears the word Frankenstein many including myself instantly think of the monster played by Boris Karloff in the three Universal Studios movies of the 1930's. Indeed it was Hollywood that would popularise and bring to a mass audience what was at the time a well respected but perhaps not that widely read piece of classic literature. If you have ever read the original book you will appreciate how the original story line has been changed and reinterpreted in subsequent offerings over the years. For instance there is no character called Igor in the book.

The book is full of wonderful photographs of the film actors who have played the monster together with movie posters and more recent offerings that have included TV spin offs, comics, postage stamps and even breakfast cereals. Although I would say that a large section of the book is devoted to film which includes the 1950's Hammer House relaunch and Mel Brook's 1974 Young Frankenstein send up there are a sections devoted to other aspects including pop culture. It is interesting how the notion of a man created monster has developed and been deployed over the years. This is I believe is an ideal book for a horror or film fan and would look visually good on the bookshelf.