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Frankenstein
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Frankenstein Hardcover - 1998

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley; Philippe Munch (Illustrator)


About this book

Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus is a Gothic novel written by Mary Shelley in 1818. The story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monstrous creature and immediately regrets his actions, abandoning the creature to its own devices. The creature, seeking acceptance and revenge, terrorizes Victor and those he loves. Themes of ambition, ethics, humanity, and loneliness are explored through Shelley's vivid descriptions of the natural world and her characters' psychological torment. Frankenstein remains a classic of Gothic literature and a seminal work of science fiction.

Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin wrote the first draft of her groundbreaking novel in 1816, while on a trip to Lake Geneva with her soon-to-be husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and poet Lord Byron. They were stuck indoors during famously known as the Year Without a Summer.




Summary

Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel presents the epic battle between man and monster at its greatest literary pitch. In trying to create life, the young student Victor Frankenstein unleashes forces beyond his control, setting into motion a long and tragic chain of events that brings Victor to the very brink of madness. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it destroys everything Victor loves, is a powerful story of love, friendship, scientific hubris, and horror.

From the publisher

Another outstanding title in the acclaimed series described as "a CD-ROM between covers". A deeply thoughtful study of the ethical dilemmas that knowledge can bring to humankind, Frankenstein also provides a portrait of modern science in Europe almost two centuries ago.

This edition of the enduringly popular tale, with its striking illustrations and extended captions unique to the Whole Story series, provides the background information modern readers could otherwise access only through a broad range of supplemental research. This distinctive approach places Frankenstein, first published in 1818, within the context of its era, bringing it vividly to life. A rich new reading experience is the result: readers can enjoy and understand the story in a way as close as possible to that of audiences when Mary Shelley wrote it.

First Edition Identification

A small London publishing house, Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, first printed Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus in a limited series of just 500 copies on January 1, 1818. By then, Mary was just 20 years old. The first edition was published anonymously in 1818, with a preface by Percy B. Shelley and a dedication to Mary’s father, philosopher William Godwin. Mary Shelley didn’t publicly claim her novel until years later, and her name appears in the second edition, published in 1823. First edition original pasteboards were in blueish gray.

First editions are very scarce and exceptionally rare on the market. In 2021 one of the first 500 copies of the novel was sold at auction for $1.17 million. It was the first Frankenstein first edition copy to be auctioned since 1985.


Details

  • Title Frankenstein
  • Author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley; Philippe Munch (Illustrator)
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Thus
  • Pages 256
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Viking Children's Books, East Rutherford, NJ, U.S.A.
  • Date 1998-08-01
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780670878000 / 0670878006
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.24 x 6.95 x 0.65 in (23.47 x 17.65 x 1.65 cm)
  • Ages 12 to 17 years
  • Grade levels 7 - 12
  • Reading level 1040
  • Library of Congress subjects Horror stories, Monsters - Fiction
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 97061744
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC
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Frankenstein (Whole Story)
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Frankenstein (Whole Story)

by Shelley, Mary

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9780670878000
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UsedGood. This is a ex library book, stickers and markings accordingly. Fast shipping and order satisfaction guaranteed. A portion of your purchase benefits charities, First Aid and Fire Stations!
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Frankenstein

Frankenstein

by Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft

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  • Hardcover
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Viking Children's Books, 1998. Hardcover. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Frankenstein (Whole Story)
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Frankenstein (Whole Story)

by Mary Shelley

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  • Hardcover
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Binding
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ISBN 13
9780670878000
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Viking Juvenile, 1998-08-01. Hardcover. Good.
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Frankenstein (Whole Story)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Frankenstein (Whole Story)

by Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780670878000
ISBN 10
0670878006
Quantity Available
1
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Corvallis, Oregon, United States
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This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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A$155.41A$124.33
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Viking Childrens Books, 1998. Dustjacket faintly rubbed/bumped, top spine end and top edge near spine very lightly bumped, top edge faintly sunned, price-clipped; cover ver faintly rubbed'bumped, top spine end very lightly bumped; edges faintly sunned; edges of endpapers and pastedowns lightly sunned, previous owner's small inscription top ffep (black ink), textblock edges ever-so-slightly sunned; binding tight; dustjacket, cover, edges and interior intact and very clean, except where noted; a nice copy; due to the size of this item, additional shipping charges may apply.. hardcover. Good/Good. Illus. by Munch, Philippe.
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