Who wrote Frankenstein?
Frankenstein was written by English author Mary Shelley and first published in 1818. She began writing it at the age of 18, and it is often considered one of the first works of science fiction.
Mary Shelley was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in London in 1797. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a famous writer and advocate for women's rights.
In 1816, Mary stayed at the Villa Diodati near Lake Geneva with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron and others. Byron challenged the group to write ghost stories, and Mary began Frankenstein.
The story
The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts. Rejected and alone, the creature seeks revenge.
The full title is Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Many people mistakenly call the creature Frankenstein, but that is the name of the scientist.
The novel explores themes of science, responsibility and isolation.
Frankenstein has inspired countless films, plays and adaptations, including the famous 1931 film starring Boris Karloff.
Mary Shelley also wrote other novels, including The Last Man.