Frankenstein: Annotated Edition

Name: Frankenstein: Annotated Edition
Price: 11.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781847493507

✍️ Mary Shelley

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$11.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

An annotated edition of Mary Shelley's original 1818 ghost story novel

This work emerged from a creative contest among friends in the early nineteenth century. It stands as one of the first science fiction novels, blending gothic elements with speculative ideas about life and death. The narrative focuses on Victor Frankenstein and his creature, avoiding the sensationalism of later adaptations. It offers a clear view of Shelley’s intent regarding the dangers of unchecked ambition. The text remains relevant for its critique of human nature and societal rejection.

Key Themes

pursuit of knowledge nature of beauty monstrosity inherent to man

Literary Context

Published in 1818, this novel sits at the intersection of gothic fiction and early science fiction. It originated from a ghost story challenge involving Byron and Shelley, establishing its place in literary history as a seminal work that influenced countless adaptations while retaining unique philosophical depth.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Horace Walpole · Ann Radcliffe · The Castle of Otranto

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Alma Books 📅 2014 📖 240 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781847493507

📚 This Book in Collections

🕯️ The Creepiest Books of All Time

📝 Description: Frankenstein: Annotated Edition

Mary Shelley crafted this seminal novel during a challenge with Byron and Percy Byssley Shelley to create a terrifying ghost story. The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a being, leading to catastrophic consequences. This edition presents the original text without the heavy adaptations found in stage or screen versions. It preserves the philosophical resonance that many readers find unmatched by later interpretations. The book operates as a classic fable examining the pursuit of knowledge and the nature of beauty. It explores the monstrosity inherent to man through the tragic tale of Victor and his rejected creation. Readers interested in the origins of science fiction will find this text foundational. Those seeking quick thrills or modern horror tropes may find the pacing deliberate. The work demands attention to its moral questions rather than just plot events. This version allows readers to engage directly with Shelley’s prose. It highlights the tension between scientific ambition and ethical responsibility. The story remains a powerful exploration of creation and abandonment. Readers who appreciate gothic fiction and supernatural themes will likely connect with the emotional depth of the characters. The text serves as a primary source for understanding early nineteenth-century literary concerns.

💎 Our verdict on Frankenstein: Annotated Edition

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Shelley crafted this seminal novel during a challenge to create a terrifying ghost story, resulting in a work that remains relevant for its critique of societal rejection and human nature. The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist whose actions lead to catastrophic consequences, exploring the monstrosity inherent to man. This edition presents the original text, preserving the philosophical resonance unmatched by later interpretations. It highlights the tension between scientific ambition and ethical responsibility. While the pacing is deliberate, readers who appreciate gothic fiction and supernatural themes will connect with the emotional depth of the characters and the story's powerful exploration of creation.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is essential for those interested in the origins of science fiction and gothic literature. It offers a clear view of Mary Shelley’s intent regarding the dangers of unchecked ambition, avoiding the sensationalism of later adaptations. Readers seeking quick thrills may find the pacing deliberate, as the work demands attention to its moral questions rather than just plot events. It serves as a primary source for understanding early nineteenth-century literary concerns and critiques human nature through the tragic tale of Victor and his rejected creation.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Shelley crafted this seminal novel during a challenge to create a terrifying ghost story, resulting in a work that remains relevant for its critique of societal rejection and human nature. The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist whose actions lead to catastrophic consequences, exploring the monstrosity inherent to man. This edition presents the original text, preserving the philosophical resonance unmatched by later interpretations. It highlights the tension between scientific ambition and ethical responsibility. While the pacing is deliberate, readers who appreciate gothic fiction and supernatural themes will connect with the emotional depth of the characters and the story's powerful exploration of creation.