Science of Life and Death in Frankenstein, The

This book explores how Mary Shelley and her fellow Romantic writers incorporated the debate about life and death into their work, and how much they were influenced by contemporary science, medicine, and personal loss. It examines the knowledge of science and medicine in Shelley's time, including the work of key scientific and medical thinkers, and how it influenced her novel Frankenstein. It also shows how the tale is steeped in historical scientific and medical thought, exploring the boundary between life and death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: Bodleian Library

Mary Shelley and her fellow Romantic writers were deeply interested in the question of life, a subject that resonated with them. How did they incorporate this debate into their work, and to what extent were they influenced by contemporary science, medicine, and personal experiences? This book aims to compile the various attempts made in science and medicine during Mary Shelley's time to explain life and death. It examines the perspectives of her contemporaries on essential elements such as air, blood, sunlight, electricity, and others believed to be crucial for living.

A thorough examination of Mary Shelley's knowledge of science and medicine is conducted, alongside the work of key scientific and medical thinkers such as John Abernethy, James Curry, Humphry Davy, John Hunter, William Lawrence, and Joseph Priestley. Frankenstein serves as a remarkable example of Mary Shelley's understanding of the medical advice provided for recovering individuals who had drowned, been hanged, or strangled. It also explores the contemporary scientific basis behind Victor Frankenstein's notion that life and death were merely "ideal bounds" that he could transgress in creating the Creature.

Sharon Ruston weaves images of the manuscript, portraits, medical instruments, and contemporary diagrams into her narrative to demonstrate how this extraordinary tale is steeped in historical scientific and medical thought. She explores the fascinating boundary between life and death, shedding light on the influences and inspirations that shaped Mary Shelley's writing and the broader Romantic movement.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781851245574