Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist who wrote Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus at age 18, creating one of the most influential works of science fiction and horror. She was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin.

How Did Mary Shelley Write Frankenstein?

During summer 1816 at Lake Geneva, Byron proposed everyone write a ghost story. Shelley struggled until a waking nightmare gave her the image of a scientist horrified by his creation. She expanded it into a novel published anonymously in 1818.

What Is Frankenstein About?

Victor Frankenstein creates a living being from dead matter and abandons it. The creature, intelligent but monstrous in appearance, is rejected by everyone and turns to violence. The novel raises questions about scientific responsibility, humanity, and the consequences of playing God.

Why Is Frankenstein Considered the First Science Fiction Novel?

Unlike earlier Gothic novels relying on the supernatural, Shelley grounded her story in contemporary science. Victor creates through scientific method, not magic. This emphasis on science and its ethics established the template for the genre.

What Else Did Mary Shelley Write?

Shelley published The Last Man (1826), a post-apocalyptic novel, and several other works. She edited and promoted Percy Shelley's poetry after his death. Talk to Mary Shelley on HoloDream about creation, responsibility, and the monsters we make.