Frankenstein (Collins Classics)

**Unveil the chilling origins of science fiction and Gothic horror with Mary Shelley's timeless masterpiece, *Frankenstein* (Collins Classics).** Embark on a dark and electrifying journey with Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but tormented young scientist consumed by the ambition to conquer death and create life itself. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for forbidden knowledge, Victor meticulously assembles a creature from the discarded remnants of the dead, transforming the morbid materials of the dissecting room and the slaughter-house into something terrifyingly alive. However, the moment of triumph quickly devolves into abject horror. Upon opening its "dull yellow eye," Victor is repulsed by his creation's grotesque appearance, abandoning the being he brought into existence. This profound rejection, coupled with an agonizing lack of companionship and understanding, sets the creature on a path of despair and ultimately, vengeful rage. Mary Shelley, an extraordinary literary prodigy who began this seminal work at the tender age of eighteen, masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the deepest questions of humanity. *Frankenstein* is far more than a simple monster story; it is a profound exploration of the ethical boundaries of scientific ambition, the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition, and the very nature of what it means to be human. Through the tragic intertwined fates of creator and creation, Shelley examines the destructive power of prejudice, the yearning for acceptance, and the agonizing search for forgiveness in a world that casts out the outcast. This edition from HarperCollins brings you an essential classic, meticulously presented for the modern reader. Experience the atmospheric dread, the philosophical depth, and the enduring emotional resonance of a novel that has captivated imaginations for centuries and continues to challenge our understanding of responsibility, creation, and the dark side of human endeavor. Discover why *Frankenstein* remains a cornerstone of Gothic literature and a pioneering work of science fiction, its themes echoing through generations of storytelling and scientific inquiry. **Key themes explored include:** * The ethics and dangers of scientific advancement. * The nature of creation and parental responsibility. * The impact of isolation and societal rejection. * The struggle between good and evil. * The quest for belonging and acceptance. * The pursuit of revenge and its devastating consequences. **About the Author:** Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (17971851) was an English novelist, essayist, travel writer, and biographer. The daughter of radical thinkers William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, she was also the wife of the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Her Gothic novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* (1818) is considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction and a foundational work of both Gothic and Romantic literature.