Frankenstein the Original 1818 Text (Reader's Library Classics)
Product ID: 295592866
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If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear! 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 led 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. Review: Excellent bare bones copy of the 1818 text - First off, I rarely read books but had a sudden strong urge to read the original MS Frankenstein this spooky season. I went with the Reader's Library Classics version over the Penguin version because of three things: 1. It is less expensive than the Penguin for a new copy. 2. Some reviews mentioned the Penguin version print was on the smaller side. 3. I wanted a bare bones text version and did not need the extra commentaries included in the Penguin version. The novel arrived in New condition. I read the first 28 pages, including the Preface and Letters last night. It took me a few pages to get used to the older English style but I quickly began to like this style of prose and I felt my brain begin to expand so much that the thought of reading more books appeals to my sense of delight, once again. I appreciate the quotable lines that I've already encountered, even within the first 28 pages. I have no desire to compare this novel to the movies and each form of the story is to be observed and evaluated as very distinct forms of media expression. I am excited to read the rest of this novel and plan to read the 1931 version at some point as well. Review: Enjoying classics - Read a classic
| Best Sellers Rank | #6,624 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #8 in British & Irish Horror #27 in British & Irish Literature #399 in Classic Literature & Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,359 Reviews |
L**N
Excellent bare bones copy of the 1818 text
First off, I rarely read books but had a sudden strong urge to read the original MS Frankenstein this spooky season. I went with the Reader's Library Classics version over the Penguin version because of three things: 1. It is less expensive than the Penguin for a new copy. 2. Some reviews mentioned the Penguin version print was on the smaller side. 3. I wanted a bare bones text version and did not need the extra commentaries included in the Penguin version. The novel arrived in New condition. I read the first 28 pages, including the Preface and Letters last night. It took me a few pages to get used to the older English style but I quickly began to like this style of prose and I felt my brain begin to expand so much that the thought of reading more books appeals to my sense of delight, once again. I appreciate the quotable lines that I've already encountered, even within the first 28 pages. I have no desire to compare this novel to the movies and each form of the story is to be observed and evaluated as very distinct forms of media expression. I am excited to read the rest of this novel and plan to read the 1931 version at some point as well.
L**B
Enjoying classics
Read a classic
R**A
Recipient loved the book
It was a Christmas gift to a co-worker and they loved the book and complimented how thoughtful I was in getting them a book instead of a regular crappy gifts.
K**T
Book
This was good
E**N
Read it. It’s better than any movie.
This was a great read. I flew right through it. It’s hard to imagine that a girl of this young age was able to pull off such a magnificent piece of writing. But she was born to do it and that’s clear when I read through it. It’s much better than watching any type of Frankenstein movie that you’ve ever experienced in your life. Read this book
A**R
Not like any of the movies you’ve seen
The old English is a bit hard to get through. It was written in 1818 when Mary Shelley was just 18 years old so quite an accomplishment.That said, the writing features very antiquated, syntax and grammar. Also, there’s little description of how the monster was created; instead we are treated to page after page of travelogue with a lot of overly descriptive scenes —mountains and valleys and rivers and this and that. Also, very odd that a scientist, or whatever he was, tore apart dead human bodies to build this monster, which is very gruesome, then discovered after it was finished that he was horrified by the appearance of it. What did he expect Pierce Brosnan? George Clooney? Other than that, it’s not a bad read, especially the very poignant and detailed introspection that the monster himself describes as he slowly educates himself and realizes who he is and what he is capable of. Sad really, especially how Victor Frankenstein builds his creation, infuses it with life, and then totally abandons it. So in my humble opinion, the real monster is Victor Frankenstein. Because, when first brought to life, the monster had the mental acuity of a child. In the end, all the monster wanted was to be loved and not ridiculed.
A**Y
Purchase!!
Wow! Just a cool read
J**E
As timeless today as it was when it was first conceived.
This is the real Frankenstein - first edition, as written by 18 year old Mary Shelley. Hard to believe she was so young at the time and it was written over 200 years ago. If you fell in love with Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" this is the book to read to flesh out and fully understand the movie. Everyone involved in filming refers to this original text and do it proud. One of the best novels I've read in decades.
J**.
Interesting Contrast
Arrived on time and as advertised. I have no problem with the delivery, but the book itself was a bit of a surprise. The difference between to book and the movies that have been made based on it are substantial.
M**Y
Superb. Not anything like I expected.
An entirely different story to what I’d been led to think was Frankenstein. A superb example of neglect, betrayal and revenge. And written when?? Oh, boy, Shelley was good.
A**R
Great Story
Its Frankenstein. Great story.
�**�
5stars
*Original 1818 text. 5stars
T**T
It's ok
The period this book was written in really shows, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. However, for the love of God, why does she describe every bush, breeze, cliff, and grass patch? I get it; it was written during the Romantic era when nature was "in" and everything had to be described. I would not classify this as a horror novel at all; more of an educational read to learn where the story and inspiration originated.
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