Books

This is a volume of the publication "The Monthly Review ~ or, Literary Journal" (Volume LXXXV) that contains a rare book review of the classic horror tale "FRANKENSTEIN or The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Shelley. 1818; J. Porter; London. The rather uncomplimentary review appears in the April, 1818 issue and was written anonymously - the reviewer refers to the novel as "an uncouth story" and argues that "a serious examination is scarcely necessary for so eccentric a vagary of the imagination as this tale presents." This review was published only a few months after the January, 1818 first publication of Frankenstein. The book is also listed within the table of contents at the front of the volume. Condition: The gilt title on the spine has faded. Unfortunately this copy is missing both the front and back covers. The pages, however, are in very nice condition with only some occasional mild foxing. There is a bit of paper remnant affixed to the top edge of the rear end paper.…

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.