The Things You Can Read: Discovered: Lord Byron’s Copy of Frankenstein Signed by Mary Shelley

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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Discovered: Lord Byron’s Copy of Frankenstein Signed by Mary Shelley

Image Credit: Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Image Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology

As September closes her doors, and the fall season truly gets underway we, here at The Things You Can Read, thought we'd get into the spirit of the upcoming spooky, creepy, eerie month of October with a post to welcome this month of Tricks or Treats or both. And, what better book to post about then the quintessential scary classic, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Mary Shelley
Image Credit: University of Oxford

What made us think of Frankenstein over all the other scary classics out there? As luck would have it, it just so happens that Mary Shelley's super scary classic is in the news. What has brought Frankenstein into the spotlight? All the attention has to do with the recent discovery of Lord Byron's presentation copy of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. In a recent post Open Culture reminded its readers of the genesis of Frankenstein:

"The story behind the writing of Frankenstein is famous. In 1816, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley, summering near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, were challenged by Lord Byron to take part in a competition to write a frightening tale. Mary, only 18 years old, later had a waking dream of sorts where she imagined the premise of her book"

To learn more about this remarkable discovery view the video below:

If you are looking for a copy of Frankenstein, checkout Open Culture's Free ebooks and Free Audio Books. If you are an old movie buff, like we are, Open Culture has links to the first film adaptation of Shelley's famous novel from 1910, or try the 1931 version.

The Frankenstein Movie Dynasty
Image Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology

What do you think is the scariest tale for the Halloween season? Leave us a comment with your choice.

Additional links of Interest:
Frankenstein at the Bodleian

Happy Halloween Reading!
Things You Can Read

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