Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
Genre(s): Classics, Horror, Historical Fiction
Pages: 261
Published: 1818 Originally.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Summary: "Shelley's enduringly
popular and rich gothic tale, Frankenstein, confronts some of the most
feared innovations of evolutionism and science--topics such as
degeneracy, hereditary disease, and humankind's ability to act as
creator of the modern world. This new edition, based on the harder and
wittier 1818 version of the text, draws on new research and examines the
novel in the context of the controversial radical sciences developing
in the years following the Napoleonic Wars. In addition it shows the
relationship of Frankenstein's experiment to the contemporary debate
between champions of materialistic science and proponents of received
religion.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more."
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more."
Review: An interesting tale filled drawn out in the elegant prose of the era in
which it is written. Full of depth and emotions one does not often see
in today's literature. Yet there are a few things that kept this from
being as fulfilling as the potential it held.
Starting off are some letters that at first confused me. I thought I knew the story of Frankenstein but I had no clue who this captain was. Luckily the pieces are soon drawn together. Yet while I am trying to figure out who is who my mind is rapidly working to change gears from common, current verbiage to the poetic, old English style in which this story is form. While utterly beautiful, it did take awhile to be able to fully appreciate it.
The next thing that has me thrown off is how easily the "Wretched Monster" learns. And how he knew about Frankenstein and his homeland when is states that Frankenstein immediately bails on his creation one it is alive. It must not have been as quick as described....
And the monster-he is amazing and filled with emotion. Overwhelmingly so. He seems to feel things more strongly than man. Be it love, loneliness... or hated! His tale is both wonderful and yet heart-wrenching at the same time.
I wish the book covered more of how the monster came to be. And as for Frankenstein, he sure was sick often in this book. Sheesh! I neither liked nor disliked his character.
This is very, VERY different from the movies I have seen. I almost wonder if ANY of the scriptwriters have ever actually read the book. Why have none of them correctly portrayed the story?! It would be so much better! Maybe one of these days, someone will get it right...
Final rating: 3.5 on enjoyment, 4.5 stars on writing!
Starting off are some letters that at first confused me. I thought I knew the story of Frankenstein but I had no clue who this captain was. Luckily the pieces are soon drawn together. Yet while I am trying to figure out who is who my mind is rapidly working to change gears from common, current verbiage to the poetic, old English style in which this story is form. While utterly beautiful, it did take awhile to be able to fully appreciate it.
The next thing that has me thrown off is how easily the "Wretched Monster" learns. And how he knew about Frankenstein and his homeland when is states that Frankenstein immediately bails on his creation one it is alive. It must not have been as quick as described....
And the monster-he is amazing and filled with emotion. Overwhelmingly so. He seems to feel things more strongly than man. Be it love, loneliness... or hated! His tale is both wonderful and yet heart-wrenching at the same time.
I wish the book covered more of how the monster came to be. And as for Frankenstein, he sure was sick often in this book. Sheesh! I neither liked nor disliked his character.
This is very, VERY different from the movies I have seen. I almost wonder if ANY of the scriptwriters have ever actually read the book. Why have none of them correctly portrayed the story?! It would be so much better! Maybe one of these days, someone will get it right...
Final rating: 3.5 on enjoyment, 4.5 stars on writing!
I didn't know that a different version had been published! Kind of want to pick up this 1818 edition now. I read the standard paperback in high school and enjoyed it. You're totally right about the movies never really getting the story right. But what can you expect, they led to people thinking that the monster's name is Frankenstein.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think you should either read the book or see the movie (in this case, movies!) as so often they are so different. And most often the books are superior. I will admit that the first Hunger Game movie started me reading the books and I really enjoy both (so far!)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I know that this is an classics, but I didnt want to read before I read this review. "And the monster-he is amazing and filled with emotion." Beautiful, I must read soon.
ReplyDelete