Frankenstein: the Original 1818 Text

Book excerpt: Fiction, Horror // Read Mary Shelley's masterpiece in its purest form. Later editions introduced significant changes to the book. Most scholars and readers now consider the 1818 text to be "the superior work for its sharper, bolder telling of the story," according to editor Aldwin Grey, who prepared this edition for publication. The text was derived from page-scans of the 1818 book, then corrected for typos against the drafts and later editions. The design elements mimic those in the original. Included are a new editor's note and author bio. IN THE LATE 1700s, a daring seaman is at the north of the globe when he sees a huge figure cross the ice. The next day a half-frozen man drifts forth from the fog. This stranger, a brilliant Swiss scientist, proceeds to tell his tale, which begins with a boy in pursuit of knowledge and ends with a man on the brink of madness. At its core lies a great secret: the ability to give life to lifeless matter. But in its shadows, there may yet be two yellow eyes watching in wait of a promise.