Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus

Name: Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus
Price: 7.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780199537167

✍️ Mary Shelley

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$7.95

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A scholarly edition of Shelley's gothic novel exploring science and morality.

This volume presents Mary Shelley’s classic tale with academic rigor. The publisher has included expert introductions and voluminous notes to aid comprehension. Readers gain access to bibliographies that guide further research into the text’s origins and impact. The edition reflects Oxford University Press’s dedication to scholarship, offering a reliable text for serious study. It appeals to those interested in literary analysis and historical context. Casual readers might find the additional material overwhelming. The book serves as a resource for understanding the novel’s place in gothic fiction.

Key Themes

science hubris revenge cycle appearance versus essence

Literary Context

Mary Shelley wrote this gothic tale during the early nineteenth century. It draws on classical mythology, specifically the story of Prometheus. The work reflects Romantic era concerns about industrial progress and natural philosophy. It remains a key text in discussions of scientific ethics and human responsibility.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Bram Stoker · H.P. Lovecraft · Edgar Allan Poe

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Oxford University Press 📅 2008 📖 239 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780199537167

📝 Description: Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus

Mary Shelley’s novel examines the dangerous intersection of scientific ambition and moral responsibility. The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein as he attempts to conquer death through unnatural means, creating a sentient being that rejects his care. This act of creation leads to a cycle of vengeance that destroys both creator and creature. The story critiques the hubris inherent in modern science while exploring the deep psychological scars left by isolation and rejection. This Oxford World's Classics edition provides scholarly support for readers seeking deeper understanding. It features an expert introduction and extensive notes to clarify historical and literary references. The volume also includes up-to-date bibliographies for further study, ensuring accuracy and context. The text is presented with careful attention to detail, reflecting over a century of commitment to accessible literature. This format suits students and scholars who value critical apparatus alongside the primary text. It may not appeal to casual readers seeking only plot without analytical depth. The book confronts enduring themes such as the power of human imagination and the effects of cruelty. It addresses the gulf between appearance and essence, showing how judgment based on looks leads to tragedy. The narrative also explores the need for forgiveness amidst intense revenge. These elements combine to form a complex gothic tale that remains relevant in discussions about ethics and creation.

💎 Our verdict on Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This scholarly edition excels in providing the necessary academic infrastructure to unpack Mary Shelley’s complex narrative. The inclusion of expert introductions and voluminous notes ensures that readers grasp the historical and literary nuances often missed in lighter versions. The careful presentation of the text reflects a dedication to accuracy, making it a trustworthy source for critical analysis. While the dense supplementary material may overwhelm casual readers looking for pure plot progression, it is perfectly suited for those engaged in literary study. The book effectively highlights the enduring themes of imagination and cruelty, offering a profound exploration of the gulf between appearance and essence. It remains an indispensable tool for understanding the novel’s place within the Gothic tradition.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This edition is designed for serious students and scholars who require rigorous academic support to understand the novel’s historical context and literary significance. Readers interested in the intersection of science, morality, and psychology will find the expert introductions and extensive notes invaluable for clarifying complex references. It serves as an essential resource for those analyzing the text’s impact on Gothic fiction rather than casual readers seeking simple entertainment. The volume provides a reliable text accompanied by bibliographies that guide further research into the work's origins. It is ideal for those who appreciate critical apparatus alongside the primary narrative, allowing for a deeper comprehension of the themes surrounding isolation, rejection, and the ethical boundaries of creation.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

This scholarly edition excels in providing the necessary academic infrastructure to unpack Mary Shelley’s complex narrative. The inclusion of expert introductions and voluminous notes ensures that readers grasp the historical and literary nuances often missed in lighter versions. The careful presentation of the text reflects a dedication to accuracy, making it a trustworthy source for critical analysis. While the dense supplementary material may overwhelm casual readers looking for pure plot progression, it is perfectly suited for those engaged in literary study. The book effectively highlights the enduring themes of imagination and cruelty, offering a profound exploration of the gulf between appearance and essence. It remains an indispensable tool for understanding the novel’s place within the Gothic tradition.