Books

Rome, 6 April [1843]. Letter. Mild crease from mailing. Near Fine. A three-page AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED "Mary Shelley" written in Italian on one sheet of an 8" x 5" piece of paper folded to 4" x 5," dated 6 April [1843]. A rough translation: "Esteemed Sir. Thank you so much for your card -- and your kindness. I feel ashamed thinking about all the inconvenience that you are experiencing due to that annoying matter [strikethrough] of Tozzetti, but I am pleased that he is not obtaining all he was looking for. He deserved nothing. Thank you for the letter -- maybe others will come for us either sent to your address or simply to Florence. Would you graciously send someone to the post office to ask for our letters and send them here. My debt I would come and pay. I hope it is not too big to be a burden on my conscience, and I will find a way to repay it. [strikethrough] I hope that the weather has improved and that Nerina feels better. I would really love to see you and Nerina…

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.