Mary Shelley: Biography, ‘Frankenstein’ Author

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1797-1851

Who Was Mary Shelley?

British author Mary Shelley wrote the classic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus , published in January 1818. Born in London into an influential family, Shelley had an informal education but pored over her father’s book collection and developed an interest in writing. She was only 18 when she conceptualized Frankenstein , about a scientist who creates a sentient 8-foot-tall monster out of human body parts. Literary historians credit Shelley with inventing contemporary science fiction, as she combined what was then considered factual scientific knowledge with gothic fiction. Frankenstein is still popular today, inspiring movies, plays, and Halloween costumes. Shelley, who wrote numerous other novels, was also known for her mar