Examines the popularity of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , its enduring critical appeal, its semi-mythical status, and its endless trail of reproductions. Early chapters discuss early reviews of
Frankenstein , and contextualize Shelley's achievement within the web of intertextual relations that range from the work of her immediate family to that of her Romantic peers. Later chapters
examine psychoanalytic and feminist critical perspectives, trace the origin and significance of Shelley's use of demonic and monstrous imagery, and look at film adaptations of the Frankenstein
theme. Substantial excerpts from critical works cited are highlighted in bold text. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
