A handsome, affordable edition of the legendary modern classic. “Enduring power.” —The New York Times Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, is often referred to as one the most important literary works of all time. Having been adapted and reprinted thousands of times, and often cited as the birth of the gothic novel and the science fiction genre, Frankenstein has captivated readers for centuries. It is the haunting tale of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque and cognizant being through a scientific experiment. “The monster,” as it’s frequently referred to throughout the novel, consists of sewn body parts from multiple cadavers being used for scientific research. On a dark, stormy night, the creature is brought to life by being shocked with an electrical current harnessed from a lightning storm. The novel explores scientific practices such as galvanism, as well as the ethical repercussions of bringing the deceased back to life. With its grim, but gripping narrative, Frankenstein is the classic story of life and death, humanity and monstrosity, and blurring the lines in between. Packaged in handsome and affordable trade editions, Clydesdale Classics is a new series of essential literary works. The series features literary phenomena with influence and themes so great that, after their publication, they changed literature forever. From the musings of literary geniuses such as Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, to the striking personal narratives from Harriet Jacobs in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, this new series is a comprehensive collection of our literary history through the words of the exceptional few.
Nicht mal eines Namens wurde das Geschöpf für würdig befunden, immer heißt es nur die Kreatur oder das Monster, Frankensteins Monster. Der Doktor Viktor Frankenstein hatte einen perfekten künstlichen Menschen schaffen wollen, aber was bei seinem Experiment herauskam, war so abschreckend, dass es nirgends zugehörig sein durfte. Der absolute Outsider.
Wenn er in ein Dorf kam, fielen die Frauen in Ohnmacht, Steine wurden geschleudert. Das naive und empfindsame Monster floh aufs Land und erklärte der menschlichen Spezies den Krieg. Mary Shelleys „Frankenstein“, erschienen 1818, ist ein revolutionäres Buch, das von Identität und Freiheit handelt. Zur Kultfigur wurde das Monster 1931 durch den Film von James Whale – der als Homosexueller ums Außenseiterdasein wusste. Da fingen die Menschen an, sich ihrer eigenen Monstrosität bewusst zu werden. Und so etwas wie sympathy for the monster zu empfinden.
GÖT
Mary Shelley: Frankenstein. dtv, 304 Seiten, 8,90 Euro.
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