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Kathryn Harkup

Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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  • More about Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

The book "Making the Monster: The Science and Scientists That Inspired Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" explores the scientific background behind Mary Shelley's book, examining the science and scientists that influenced her and inspired her most famous creation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC


The year 1818 marked the publication of one of the most influential science-fiction stories of all time, "Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Shelley. This remarkable work had a profound impact on the gothic horror and science-fiction genres, and its creation has permeated our modern culture in countless ways. From the iconic cartoons and Halloween costumes to the ubiquitous term "Frankenstein," Shelley's novel has become a symbol of evil scientists and dangerous experiments.

Despite Shelley's lack of formal education, the idea for "Frankenstein" emerged from a combination of factors. The years preceding the book's publication witnessed significant advancements in the natural sciences, particularly in areas such as electricity and physiology. Sensational science demonstrations captivated the public's imagination, while the newspapers were filled with lurid tales of murderers and resurrectionists.

In "Making the Monster," Kathryn Harkup delves into the scientific background behind Shelley's novel. She explores whether there is any scientific fact behind the science fiction and examines how a real-life Victor Frankenstein might have gone about creating his monster. Harkup examines a range of topics, including tales of volcanic eruptions, artificial life, chemical revolutions, experimental surgery, monsters, and electrical experiments on human cadavers.

Through her comprehensive analysis, Harkup sheds light on the science and scientists that influenced Shelley and inspired her most famous creation. She highlights the interconnectedness of these ideas and the ways in which they shaped the narrative of "Frankenstein." This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, literature, and popular culture, as well as the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley's masterpiece.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472933768

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