Cover of Frankenstein

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

First published
1818
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a Gothic novel published in 1818. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living creature from assembled body parts in an unorthodox experiment. When the creature awakens, Victor flees in horror, abandoning his creation. The conscious being must navigate a world that fears him, learning language and seeking connection, only to face repeated rejection. Embittered and alone, the creature confronts his creator with a desperate request that will set both on a dark path of vengeance and tragedy.

  • Science fiction
  • Horror tales
  • Gothic fiction
  • Scientists
  • Monsters
  • Frankenstein, Victor (Fictitious character)

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #84. Frankenstein on Wikipedia.

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About Mary Shelley