Books

London: Review of Reviews. London, Review of Reviews, n.d. [1896 or 1897]. First Thus. Paperback. A near fine copy. Quite rare. New preface by W.T. Stead, with a significant abridgement down to around 40,000 words (from around 90,000). This represents a somewhat significant entry in the Frankenstein bibliography being, we believe, the first abridged edition (eighth overall?). Bennett & Curran, in their book Mary Shelley and Her Times, note the Stead introduction but offer no further details on the abridgement. They have the publication date as 1893, this is almost certainly wrong. Some tanning to the wraps, a chip to the lower wrapper, 40mm tear to upper wrap and some chipping to the spine, but nice overall. No copies located in COPAC or WorldCat. One in commerce that I can find (sold by us in 2019). The book is #49 in W.T. Stead's Penny Popular Novels, an important series in its own right. Part of the 'Masterpiece Library'. [11253, Hyraxia Books]. n.d. [1896 or 1897] .…

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.

The true first edition original consists of 3 books (volumes) and is exceptionally rare in good condition.