Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley's study reconsiders the significance of Frankenstein and other Gothic works by Shelley during the Romantic period, offering new readings of the 1818 and 1831 editions and exploring the author's broader body of work. It argues that Shelley's participation in and redirecting of the Gothic tradition is worthy of re-examination.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 15 January 2018
\n Publisher: University of Wales Press
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Mary Shelley's groundbreaking work, "Frankenstein," stands as a pivotal masterpiece that not only revolutionized the genre of horror literature but also played a significant role in redefining the concept of "Gothic" during the Romantic period. In her comprehensive study, Mary Shelley reappraises the significance of "Frankenstein" alongside other notable works by Shelley, which can be seen as revisions of the evolving meanings of "Gothic" during this era. This scholarly and fresh approach offers insightful readings of both the 1818 and 1831 editions of "Frankenstein," as well as chapters that explore the fiction that Shelley composed in between these editions and during the same decade as its second edition.

By delving into the broader examination of Mary Shelley's oeuvre, this study emerges as a pioneering exploration within the field of Gothic studies. It explores in depth the themes and motifs that permeate Shelley's works, including "Frankenstein," "Matilda," "Valperga," and "The Last Man." Additionally, the volume includes sustained explorations of some of the shorter essays and tales that Shelley composed for contemporary magazines, providing a broader perspective on her literary contributions.

One of the key arguments put forth by Angela Wright in this study is that the time is ripe for a re-examination of the extent to which Shelley actively participated in and redirected the Gothic tradition. Wright argues that Shelley's unique blend of horror, science fiction, and Romanticism created a distinctive subgenre within Gothic literature, one that blurred the boundaries between traditional Gothic elements and modern innovations. Through her meticulous analysis, Wright sheds light on the ways in which Shelley's work influenced subsequent Gothic writers and contributed to the evolution of the genre.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" stands as a testament to her unparalleled creativity and her profound influence on the literary landscape. Through her reappraisal of "Frankenstein" alongside other works by Shelley, this study offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the significance and fluctuating meanings of "Gothic" during the Romantic period. It serves as a valuable contribution to Gothic studies and encourages further exploration of Shelley's remarkable body of work.

\n Weight: 258g\n
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786831736\n \n