Mary Shelley: The Complete Novels (The Giants of Literature - Book 27) (eBook)

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797–1851) stands as a towering figure in literary history, best known for her gothic novel 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus' (1818), which has transcended time as a foundational text in the science fiction and horror genres. Born to political philosopher William Godwin and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley was embedded in a context of intellectual rigor and enlightened thought from her early years. Shelley's literary style often delved into the dark and macabre, a direct reflection of her tumultuous personal life, including the untimely death of her mother, her own widowhood, and the loss of her children. Her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, also profoundly influenced her work. Her narrative voice employs eloquent prose, rich characterization, and an exploration of sociopolitical themes that challenge the norms and mores of her time. Not content with a single masterpiece, Shelley's oeuvre included further novels such as 'The Last Man' (1826), a dystopian science fiction that poised profound existential queries. Her complete novels, as gathered in 'Mary Shelley: The Complete Novels (The Giants of Literature - Book 27),' underscore her diverse range and enduring relevance. As a woman writer in the early 19th century, Shelley paved the way for future generations, her work continually inspiring analysis and adaptation in various forms of cultural expression.