Book Description
Dr. Frankenstein learns the secret of imparting life to inanimate matter. To test his theories, he collects bones from the charnel-houses to construct a "human" being, and then gives it life. The creature, endowed with supernatural size and strength, is revolting to look at, and frightens all who see it. Lonely and miserable, it comes to hate its creator. The monster murders Frankenstein's brother and his bride, and flees. The doctor pursues his creation in order to destroy it, but dies himself in the attempt.

The story of Frankenstein was first written as a ghost story to be told as part of a contest between Mary Shelley, her husband, and Lord Byron. This tale of terror has been a world favorite since it was first published in 1818, and has been made into countless movies.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Shelley's classic hints in part at the possible dangers inherent in the pursuit of pure science; it also portrays the injustice of a society which persecutes outcasts such as the "Monster." Disturbing and profoundly moving, Frankenstein has become part of our own mythology.

ANNOTATION

Note to Adobe Customers: The Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader version is printable, but there is a known problem printing to printers that do not use the PostScript page description language. This problem occurs with some HP LaserJet, Epson Stylus inkjet, and Epson impact printers. Consult your printer￯﾿ﾽs documentation to find out if it is PostScript compatible. This does not affect your ability to read the book on screen.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The legacy of Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, one of the most famous of the English Gothic novels of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, lives on through the modern cultural icons of the mad scientist and the demonic creation that always seem to threaten to destroy humankind. Through Victor Frankenstein, Shelley addresses the triumph of scientific knowledge in eighteenth-century England over the superstitions and bigotry of religious vanity in the understanding of nature, a process that began a century earlier with the Age of the Enlightenment.

SYNOPSIS

Two cassettes. Playing time 3 hours. Read by Kenneth Branagh.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Bookwatch

Frankenstein's new look tailors a play for performance and provides a strong plot suitable for contemporary drama.

James Hynes

. . .[T]he novel Frankenstein is quite a read. . . .It's highly Romantic, in the literary sense. . .[there is] a good deal of attractive torment and self-doubt, from both Victor Frankenstein and his creation. . . .If ever a book needed to be placed in context, it's Frankenstein. —The New York Times Book Review

Children's Literature

Children may know of the monster Frankenstein, the giant creature made from the body parts of dead people and brought to life by a mad scientist. But they may not know that this horrible monster wanted more than anything to find his family and friends and receive their love. In this "Stepping Stone Classic," Mary Shelly's well-loved horror story has been adapted into modern language for beginning readers. The short, illustrated chapters will enchant young people with the tale of Victor Frankenstein, his quest for the secret of life, and the terrible monster that haunted him until his death. Readers will sympathize with and understand Frankenstein's remorse for bringing life from the dead when they learn of the pain and sadness he feels upon discovering that it is his own face that frightens innocent people. As always, this great story is filled with excitement. 2000, Random House, $3.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jessica Becker

Children's Literature - Joyce Rice

The classic story of the scientist who wanted to create life at any cost is a favorite of adolescent readers. The illustrations in this version are simple and eye-catching. Hundreds of annotations concerning customs, geography and architecture of the period are included in sidebars. This supplemental information will likely be welcomed by the adult reader who has returned to the classic for a second reading. However, the notes presented on each page were distracting, since one's eye was constantly drawn away from the story to the sidebars. There are better versions of this tale for the middle school reader that will encourage full concentration on the story.

Library Journal

Thanks to the recent film version, Frankenstein is again a hot property. This duo represent both ends of the gamut of editions currently available. Dover offers a no-frills, unabridged text for a buck, while Underwood-Miller's version is illustrated with more than 45 full-page drawings by artist Bernie Wrightson and has an introduction by Stephen King. Let your budget be your guide. Read all 9 "From The Critics" >

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