The Original Frankenstein [Paperback]

Working from the earliest surviving draft ofFrankenstein, Charles E. Robinson presents two versions of the classic novel—as Mary Shelley originally wrote it and a subsequent version clearly indicating Percy Shelley’s amendments and contributions.

For the first time we can hear Mary’s 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 Shelley’s contribution—some 5,000 words out of 72,000—and his stylistic and thematic changes. His occasionally florid prose is in marked contrast to the directness of Mary’s writing. Interesting, too, are Percy’s suggestions, which humanize the monster, thus shaping many of the major themes of the novel as we read it today. In these two versions ofFrankensteinwe have an exciting new view of one of literature’ s greatest works.Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction

Frankenstein
Mary(with Percy)Shelley
Mary Shelley

APPENDIX A Title Page, Dedication and Preface to the1818Edition
APPENDIX B On “Frankenstein.” by the late Percy Bysshe Shelley
APPENDIX C Introduction to the1831Edition by Mary W. Shelley


Bibliography
“Charles Robinson, more fi nely tuned to the authorship ofFrankensteinthan any scholar living or dead, has produced two versions of Mary Shelley’s prepublication manuscript: as she first wrote it, then as it was marked with Percy’s additions and alterations. With as much certainty and in as much detail as superhumanly possible, Robinson reanimates the beginnings of this vibrant novel in an authoritative, smartly accomplished, reader- friendly edition that will delight its fans no less than it will stimulate its students. An original work of imagination itself,The
Original Frankenstein, by illuml“.