Synopses & Reviews
Working from the earliest surviving draft of
Frankenstein, Charles E. Robinson presents two versions of the classic novel—as Mary Shelley originally wrote it and a subsequent version clearly indicating Percy Shelleys amendments and contributions.
For the first time we can hear Marys sole voice, which is colloquial, fast-paced, and sounds more modern to a contemporary reader. We can also see for the first time the extent of Percy Shelleys contribution—some 5,000 words out of 72,000—and his stylistic and thematic changes. His occassionally florid prose is in marked contrast to the directness of Marys writing. Interesting, too, are Percys suggestions, which humanize the monster, thus shaping many of the major themes of the novel as we read it today. In these two versions of Frankenstein we have an exciting new view of one of literatures greatest works.
About the Author
Charles E. Robinson is a professor of English at the University of Delaware. He has published and lectured extensively on the English Romantic writers, especially Byron and the Shelleys. His books include Mary Shelley: Collected Tales and Stories; Mary Shelley's Prosperine and Midas and The Frankenstein Notebooks.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements Abbreviations
Introduction
Frankenstein
Mary (with Percy) Shelley
Mary Shelley
APPENDIX A Title Page, Dedication and Preface to the 1818 Edition
APPENDIX B On “Frankenstein.” by the late Percy Bysshe Shelley
APPENDIX C Introduction to the 1831 Edition by Mary W. Shelley
Bibliography