Copyright Date:
2023
Edition Date:
2023
Release Date:
10/03/23
ISBN:
1-454-95157-5
ISBN 13:
978-1-454-95157-5
Dewey:
Fic
Language:
English
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay,
To mould me man, Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?
--
Paradise Lost, X, 743-745
Author Introduction The Publishers of the Standard Novels, in selecting
Frankenstein for one of their series, expressed a wish that I should furnish them with some account of the origin of the story. I am the more willing to comply because I shall thus give a general answer to the question so very frequently asked me, "How I, then a young girl, came to think of and to dilate upon so very hideous an idea?" It is true that I am very averse to bringing myself forward in print; but as my account will only appear as an appendage to a former production, and as it will be confined to such topics as have connection with my authorship alone, I can scarcely accuse myself of a personal intrusion.
[...]
And now, once again, I bid my hideous progeny go forth and prosper. I have an affection for it, for it was the offspring of happy days, when death and grief were but words, which found no true echo in my heart. Its several pages speak of many a walk, many a drive, and many a conversation, when I was not alone; and my companion was one who, in this world, I shall never see more. But this is for myself; my readers have nothing to do with these associations. I will add but one word as to the alterations I have made. They are principally those of style. I have changed no portion of the story nor introduced any new ideas or circumstances. I have mended the language where it was so bald as to interfere with the interest of the narrative; and these changes occur almost exclusively in the beginning of the first volume. Throughout they are entirely confined to such parts as are mere adjuncts to the story, leaving the core and substance of it untouched.
-M.W.S.
LONDON, OCTOBER 15TH, 1831
Excerpted from Frankenstein (Deluxe Edition) by Mary Shelley
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
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