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Frankenstein -complete and un-edited??
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Hi Lora,I think I'd prefer the physical book if at all possible as long as I can find the complete, original and "un-edited" edition. But, if all else fails.......
Thank You,
Bob
I don’t know of any incomplete versions of “Frankenstein”—it’s not actually a very long novel—though I’m sure there have been abridgments over the years. The main question with this novel is whether you want the original 1818 version or the rewritten edition Mary Shelley published in, I believe, 1831. The rewrite tells the same story in much the same language but some of the character relationships have been changed in part to remove some quasi-incestuous material. For many decades the 1831 edition was considered definitive but in recent years the 1818 original has gotten increasing attention. I’ve taught both but prefer 1818. Versions using the original text will generally put the fact on the cover: Penguin Classics, for instance, has a paperback trumpeting “The 1818 Text.” Easy to find many editions of it on Amazon. Happy hunting!
I did not know about the two versions. I read Frankenstein when I was in high school. I think I will look for the 1818 version. I don't think the one I read was that one.
Apropos Frankenstein, this Zoom lecture to the Science Fiction Association of Bergen County from last week may be of interest https://youtu.be/vmJ3dvRFWq0
All I know is I read an original version and it was painful to get through. I enjoyed it but also found it unbearable at times.
I've been wrestling with this question for a number of months, now.
Is there a complete and "unedited" edition of Mary Shelly's classic, "Frankenstein" available today either in hardcover or paperback? (I'm curious as to the year when the complete edition appeared.) I've seen many versions on Amazon, but I'm not quite sure which is considered the complete and "definitive" text. (the only edition I've been familiar with over the years is the illustrated edition with the Bernie Wrightson art work.)
Thank You