This is the perfect study guide to Shelley's classic gothic novel, "Frankenstein" - a key text for introductory literature courses at undergraduate level.Mary Shelley's classic gothic novel, "Frankenstein", is one of the most widely studied and read novels in English Literature. Aside from its key position in the English Literature canon and its wide cultural influence, the novel has been the subject of a vast array of interpretations and so leaves students needing guidance through this maze of reading.This guide offers an authoritative, up-to-date guide for students, introducing its context, language, themes, criticism and afterlife, leading students to a more sophisticated understanding of the text. It is the ideal guide to reading and studying the novel, setting "Frankenstein" in its historical, intellectual and cultural contexts, offering analyses of its themes, style and structure, providing exemplary close readings and presenting an up-to-date account of its critical reception.It also includes an introduction to "Frankenstein's" substantial history as an adapted text on stage and screen and its wider influence in film and popular culture. It includes points for discussion, suggestions for further study and an annotated guide to relevant reading."Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy. Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students.

Author Biography

Graham Allen is Senior Lecturer in Modern English at University College Cork. His books include Mary Shelley: Critical Issues (Palgrave, forthcoming 2008) and Intertextuality (Routledge New Critical Idiom, 2000).