Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press) by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press) by Mary Shelley

This edition of Mary Shelley’s classic novel pairs the original 1818 text with annotations and essays that highlight its scientific, ethical, and cautionary aspects. Published by The MIT Press, this is an essential read for anyone with a background or interest in science and engineering.

A Parable for the Modern Era

Begun as a ghost story by an intellectually and socially precocious eighteen-year-old author, the dramatic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his stitched-together creature can be read as the ultimate parable of scientific hubris. Although most often discussed in literary terms, Mary Shelley was keenly aware of contemporary scientific developments and incorporated them into her story. In our era of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and climate engineering, this edition will resonate forcefully for anyone intrigued by the fundamental questions of creativity and responsibility.

Expert Annotations and Essays

This unique and accessible edition pairs the original 1818 version of the manuscript, meticulously line-edited and amended by Charles E. Robinson, with essays by leading scholars exploring the social and ethical aspects of scientific creativity raised by this remarkable story. It is one of the most thought-provoking and influential novels ever written.

Essays by:

• Elizabeth Bear
• Cory Doctorow
• Heather E. Douglas
• Josephine Johnston
• Kate MacCord
• Jane Maienschein
• Anne K. Mellor
• Alfred Nordmann