FRANKENSTEIN.

By Mary Shelley.

Introduction by Patrick McGrath.

Signed by Patrick McGrath.

OVERVIEW: Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is the worlds most notorious and widely read Gothic novel. It has also been heralded as both the first modern horror novel and the first science fiction novel. More important than either is the novels mythical status in society. The rich subtext of Frankenstein and the vast number of readings it can inspire have contributed to the novels continued success after nearly two hundred years.

This edition of Frankenstein uses Mary Shelleys definitive 1831 text and incorporates several critical essays on Frankenstein, discussing its rich symbolism and place in world literature. There is also a valuable bibliography, Mary Shelleys original introduction to the 1831 edition, Percy Shelleys original preface, and an introduction by Patrick McGrath. Essays include a fine postmodern reading by Judith Halberstam; an excellent essay discussing the novel’s place in science fiction by Brian Aldiss; a history of artificial men by Radu Florescu; a comprehensive essay on the several different film and stage versions; and several others.

Limited to 300 copies, each book is signed by Patrick McGrath. Cover illustration by David Ho.

This is the definitive edition of Frankenstein, perfect for the trade and indispensable for scholarly use. This is first in the affordably priced Millipede Press Gothic Novels series.

Mary Shelley was born in London in 1797. Her mother was the polemicist Mary Wollstonecraft, her father the radical philosopher and novelist William Godwin. At age nineteen, she wrote Frankenstein (published in 1818), which was edited and guided by her husband, Percy Shelley. She is also well known for her apocalyptic novel, The Last Man (1826). She died in 1851.

Patrick McGrath was born in London. He is the author of Blood and Water and Other Tales, The Grotesque, Spider, Asylum, and other novels. He lives in New York City and London.

2007 Centipede Press. Fine / Fine edition and sealed upon receipt from the publisher. 1 of 300 copies signed by the Patrick McGrath. 350 pages. List Price $50.00.