Books

(London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley 1832). The first illustrated edition (the 3rd edition overall) being the revised, corrected and illustrated edition with a new introduction by the author. SECOND PRINTING OF THE THIRD EDITION, of the first revised edition of Shelley's masterpiece and the first edition to contain an illustration of the monster by Theodor von Holst. First printing of engraved frontispiece and additional engraved title page dated 1831 but with the 1832 printed title page. The frontispiece depicts the monster coming to life. Bound in contemporary 1/2 tan calf, marbled boards, 5 raised bands to the spine, spine tooled in gilt and blind, gilt lettered black spine label Inner and outer hinges still firm, head and foot of spine very slightly rubbed; none of the usual foxing to the frontispiece and title page; inner text really clean. Overall a very good copy which has the number 1 in gilt to the third compartment of the spine. This comes together with a similarly bound first edition of "The Ghost-Seer!" by Frederick Schiller (London: Colburn and Bentley 1831) which has an engraved frontispiece by Theodor von Holst of the "Greek Lady" appearing out of the new coffin with the Ghost Seer pointing. First printing of engraved frontispiece and additional engraved title page dated 1831 this being Vol 2 of two volumes. The first volume being, of course, bound up with Frankenstein. The frontispiece depicts a "grey-bearded old man kneeling before the monument and praying fervently". Also bound in similar contemporary style to the "Frankenstein" but without the marbled end-papers. Overall a VG+ copy For the 2 books (now smartly covered in removable clear acetate). Photographs/scans available upon request.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" stands as a cornerstone of gothic literature and a prized artifact in the rare book market. Published in 1818, the novel's lasting influence on literature, culture, and science fiction has made it highly sought after by collectors. This article explores the literary importance of "Frankenstein," its historical context, and the factors contributing to its rarity and value. "Frankenstein" is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels. Its themes of unchecked ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the consequences of playing God have captivated readers for over two centuries. Shelley's exploration of complex ethical and philosophical questions has made the novel a subject of academic study and a timeless piece of literature. The story's impact on popular culture is profound, with numerous adaptations in film, theatre, and other media. The novel was conceived during the summer of 1816, known as the "Year Without a Summer," at the Villa Diodati near Lake Geneva. It emerged from a storytelling contest among Mary Shelley, her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori. The first edition of "Frankenstein" was published anonymously in 1818 by the small London publishing house Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones. Only 500 copies were printed, and Mary Shelley's name did not appear as the author until the 1823 edition. The rarity of "Frankenstein" in the rare book market is mainly due to the scarcity of its first edition. With only 500 copies initially printed and the book's age, surviving copies are extremely rare. The fragile nature of early 19th-century books, combined with historical events such as wars and natural disasters, has further reduced the number of existing copies. The market value of a first edition of "Frankenstein" can reach staggering amounts. In recent years, well-preserved copies have been auctioned for hundreds of thousands of dollars. For instance, a first edition copy sold at a Christie's auction in 2021 for $1.17 million.