Frankenstein the Original 1818 Text (Reader's Library Classics)

If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!
This edition is also available in a beautiful hardcover (ISBN: 9781954839052)
The idea of a reanimated corpse was famously conceived by an 18 year old Mary Shelley on holiday with her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron near Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The three were tasked with writing a ghost story, which resulted in one of the most famous novels to come from the 19th century. Published anonymously in a three volume series, Frankenstein instantly set the standard for a true literary horror and its themes lead many to believe it was the first true science fiction novel. In 1831 and after much pressure, Mary Shelley revised the text to be more fitting to contemporary standards. Presented here by Reader's Library Classics is the original 1818 text of Frankenstein.
Young scientist Victor Frankenstein, grief-stricken over the death of his mother, sets out in a series of laboratory experiments testing the ability to create life from non-living matter. Soon, his experiments progress further until he creates a humanoid creature eight feet tall. But as Frankenstein soon discovers, a successful experiment does not always equal a positive outcome.
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Community Reviews
So different from the old movies I saw. This Frank is more human, more sensitive. Like many classics there are a lot of filler paragraphs but the human part of him is endearing. Glad I read it
Hard to read because of English being my second language. But awesome book.
This scientist thinks of everything, doesn't he?
He sews up all the dead body parts, he puts all the organs in the right place and uses an electrical lighting bolt from a storm to bring his formation to life.
Except he forgets one important thing, he never stops to think of the responsibility that accompanies giving life.
Being human is lonely already.
If Victor Frankenstein had put 'pause' on his need for selfish scientific achievement and just reached out to his creation with kindness and empathy, things would have worked out better.
Victor wants recognition for being a creator of life but his experimental invention results in the destruction of many.
Knowing how to get a heart to beat again doesn't mean that you understand a thing about humanity.
All his creation needed was a little guidance and a word of encouragement but no one anywhere in the world held any love in their hearts for this poor neglected being who never knew love.
The true monsters are revealed.
Considering that this was written by a young woman, and it is the first science fiction book written by anyone, it should be read by everyone! Great imagination! Loved how she made it about society’s non-acceptance of a good person.
If you have a God complex and/or Daddy issues, then this is the book for you!!! Mary Shelley wrote the scariest story known to mankind, which is basically what happens when a man invents something highly destructive and then regrets it, but it's way too late and it bites him -- but mostly OTHER PEOPLE -- in the ass (also see: the nuclear bomb). Really, the story of Pandora's Box was probably about a man. Great work, Mary. I've also done really destructive things to get my father's attention, so this book was very relatable.
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