Frankenstein (One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World') By Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is Mary Shelley's groundbreaking Gothic novel often recognized as one of the earliest works of science fiction. The novel follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life, leading him to construct a creature from stolen body parts. However, once he succeeds, he is horrified by his creation's appearance and abandons it. The creature, rejected by society and its creator, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately revenge, challenging Victor’s ethical and moral responsibilities. Through their tragic clash, Shelley explores themes of ambition, alienation, and the search for identity.

Why Read This Book

• Explores profound philosophical and ethical questions about human nature, responsibility, and scientific advancement.
• Engages with complex emotions and morality, as the "monster" is both terrifying and sympathetic.
• Provides insight into Romantic and Gothic literature, blending horror with deep psychological and social commentary.
• Offers a historical perspective on the dangers of unchecked scientific exploration, which remains relevant in contemporary debates.

About the Author

Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was a pioneering English author whose work had a lasting impact on literature and the Gothic genre. The daughter of philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley grew up amid intellectual discussions, which influenced her writing. Frankenstein, written when she was just 18, reflects her engagement with contemporary debates on science, philosophy, and human rights. Throughout her life, Shelley continued to write novels, short stories, and essays that examined complex themes of identity, morality, and human emotion.