Global Frankenstein

Global Frankenstein is a collection of essays by experts on the adaptability and afterlives of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, exploring its global impact in fields such as digital technology, film, theatre, dance, medicine, book illustration, science fiction, comic books, science, and performance art. It reassesses its relevance for the twenty-first century, engaging with issues such as mortality, global capitalism, gender, race, embodiment, neoliberalism, disability, technology, and the role of science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2018
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Global Frankenstein is a groundbreaking collection of sixteen original essays by renowned experts in the field, including both well-known and lesser-known international scholars. The book explores the remarkable adaptability and enduring legacy of Mary Shelley's iconic novel, Frankenstein, as it celebrates its bicentenary across various disciplines and fields, including digital technology, film, theater, dance, medicine, book illustration, science fiction, comic books, science, and performance art. Edited by two esteemed Gothic Studies scholars, this volume reassesses Frankenstein's global impact for the twenty-first century, spanning across cultures and nations such as Japan, Mexico, Turkey, Britain, Iraq, Europe, and North America.

The collection delves into compelling critical examinations of the reincarnations of Frankenstein, a generically hybrid novel initially described by early reviewers as a "bold," "bizarre," and "impious" production by a writer "with no common powers of mind." Through these essays, Global Frankenstein interrogates the novel's sustained relevance over two centuries, during which it has engaged with profound issues such as mortality, global capitalism, gender, race, embodiment, neoliberalism, disability, technology, and the role of science.

The essays in Global Frankenstein offer diverse perspectives and approaches, drawing from a range of academic disciplines and cultural contexts. They explore the novel's influence on popular culture, including film adaptations, comic books, and video games, as well as its impact on scientific discourse and research. The authors analyze the ways in which Frankenstein has been reimagined and reinterpreted over time, reflecting changing societal attitudes and cultural norms.

One of the key themes explored in the collection is the enduring power of storytelling and the capacity of literature to address complex social and ethical issues. Frankenstein, with its themes of creation, responsibility, and the boundaries of science, has become a rich source of inspiration for artists, filmmakers, and thinkers across generations. The essays in Global Frankenstein demonstrate how the novel continues to resonate with contemporary concerns, such as the ethics of genetic engineering, the impact of technology on human identity, and the consequences of scientific progress.

Another notable aspect of the collection is its attention to the global reach of Frankenstein. The novel's themes of isolation, alienation, and the consequences of scientific hubris have resonated with readers across different cultures and geographical boundaries. The essays explore how Frankenstein has been adapted and translated into different languages and cultural contexts, and how it has influenced the development of literature and popular culture in different parts of the world.

Global Frankenstein is a valuable contribution to the field of Gothic Studies and beyond. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of Frankenstein's legacy, showcasing the novel's enduring relevance and impact on contemporary culture. The collection will be of interest to scholars, students, and enthusiasts of literature, film, theater, and popular culture, as well as those interested in the broader fields of science, technology, and social studies.

In conclusion, Global Frankenstein is a groundbreaking collection of essays that celebrates the bicentenary of Mary Shelley's iconic novel, Frankenstein. Through compelling critical examinations and diverse perspectives, the book explores the remarkable adaptability and enduring legacy of Frankenstein across various disciplines and fields. It reassesses the novel's global impact for the twenty-first century, spanning across cultures and nations, and highlights its continued relevance in addressing complex social and ethical issues. This collection is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of literature, film, theater, and popular culture, as well as those interested in the broader fields of science, technology, and social studies.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 147 x 211 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030086237
Edition number: Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018