Frankenstein (Penguin Classics) - Mary Shelley

"So much has been done… more, far more, will I achieve."

First published in 1818, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley remains one of the greatest and most influential Gothic novels ever written. It tells the haunting story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist driven by ambition and the desire to create life. In his obsession, he assembles a being from stolen body parts and brings it to life through electricity — only to recoil in horror at what he has made.

Rejected and alone, the Creature seeks understanding and companionship, but society’s rejection drives him toward vengeance and tragedy. As creator and creation spiral into mutual destruction, Shelley poses timeless questions about morality, isolation, and what it means to be human.

This Penguin Classics edition features an authoritative introduction, extensive notes, and additional texts, including “A Fragment” by Lord Byron and “The Vampyre” by John Polidori, born from the same legendary night of storytelling that inspired Frankenstein.

Main Themes of the Book

• The dangers of unchecked ambition and scientific progress
• The search for identity, belonging, and love
• The nature of creation and responsibility
• Isolation, revenge, and the human condition
• Gothic atmosphere and moral introspection

Why You Should Read This Book by Mary Shelley

• A definitive edition of one of the most enduring Gothic novels ever written
• Includes scholarly introduction and contextual essays
• Perfect for readers interested in philosophy, science, and human psychology
• A foundational work that inspired modern horror and science fiction
• Written by Mary Shelley at just nineteen, showcasing extraordinary insight and imagination

Frankenstein is more than a tale of horror — it’s a profound reflection on the limits of human creativity and the price of playing god. This Penguin Classics edition restores the depth, emotion, and intellectual power of Shelley’s original vision, making it essential reading for lovers of literature, philosophy, and Gothic storytelling.