Pros
Mary Shelley's powerful writing and profound exploration of themes.
Timeless classic that delves into moral and existential questions.
Captivating narrative with complex characters.
Different editions provide options depending on reader preferences.
AmazonClassics Edition has modern, professional formatting and clean typography.
e-artnow edition contains the uncensored 1818 text and includes important publication dates.
Shelley's ability to evoke empathy for both Victor and the creature.
Explores consequences of unchecked ambition and scientific progress.
Cons
AmazonClassics Edition hides publication dates, potentially misleading readers.
e-artnow edition has less comfortable formatting and an unattractive cover.
The story can have gaps and requires suspension of disbelief in parts.
Main Product Advantages
10 Exploration of Themes
The novel deeply explores themes such as ambition, moral responsibility, scientific advancement, the search for identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
9 Character Complexity
Shelley skillfully delves into the complex psyches of both Victor and his creature. Through their parallel narratives, the novel explores the moral ambiguity inherent in human nature.
9 Moral and Ethical Implications
Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale that questions the ethical implications of scientific progress and the responsibilities that come with human creation.
9 Historical Significance
Often considered the earliest version of a science fiction novel, 'Frankenstein' is historically significant and provides a snapshot of 19th-century concerns about scientific advancement.
9 Philosophical Insights
The novel invites profound introspection into the nature of humanity, good and evil, knowledge, and societal rejection.
9 Cultural Impact
'Frankenstein' has significantly influenced pop culture, contributing to movies, literature, and discussions about the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.
8 Narrative Structure
The novel's narrative structure is presented through a series of letters and firsthand accounts, enhancing the sense of impending doom and creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense.
8 Evocative Prose
Shelley's evocative prose paints vivid images, immersing readers in a world of darkness and despair, and challenging the boundaries of empathy.
8 Character Sympathy
The creature is portrayed as both sympathetic and terrifying. His abandonment and suffering evoke sympathy while questioning who the true monster really is - the creature or Victor.
6 Edition Comparison (Formatting and Content)
Different editions offer varied reading experiences. The AmazonClassics Edition has modern formatting but omits publication years. The e-artnow edition includes pure text and publication information, essential for understanding context.
Product Review: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The world’s most famous work of horror fiction, "Frankenstein", offers a devastating exploration of the limits of human creativity. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read, Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel stands as a monumental piece in the horror genre.
The story centers on the young student Victor Frankenstein, who in his pursuit to create life, unleashes forces beyond his control. This sets off a tragic chain of events that drive Victor to the brink of madness. The narrative beautifully captures the epic battle between man and monster, portraying a powerful story of love, friendship, scientific hubris, and horror.
This Penguin Classics edition is based on the third edition of 1831 and includes an introduction and notes by Maurice Hindle. It encompasses all the revisions Mary Shelley made to her story, along with her 1831 introduction and Percy Bysshe Shelley’s preface to the first edition. Additionally, the appendices provide a select collation of the texts of 1818 and 1831, along with "A Fragment" by Lord Byron and Dr. John Polidori’s "The Vampyre: A Tale."
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With over 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics offers a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history, across various genres and disciplines. Readers rely on this series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Conclusion
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley remains an essential read for anyone interested in the origins of horror fiction and its evolution. This Penguin Classics edition is particularly valuable for its comprehensive additions and insights, making it not just a read, but an exploration of literary history. Whether you are revisiting the tale or encountering it for the first time, this edition provides a deep and enriching experience of Shelley’s masterpiece.
