1931 – Frankenstein, Mary Shelley | First Photoplay Ed, Universal Picture Movie Stills

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has long been considered a cornerstone of classic Gothic horror and lauded as the first true science fiction novel. Since its extremely limited publication in 1818, the grotesque and tragic tale of a mad scientist’s efforts to “play God” and create the ideal man has horrified and intrigued readers in equal measures. The story questions the true nature of man, warns against the dangers of hubris, and highlights the responsibilities that are inherent in the act of creation. The novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1931 Universal Pictures film, which was released prior to the enforcement of the Hayes Code censorship guidelines for motion pictures. This highly-collectable first photoplay edition features full-page stills from the movie famously starring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s Monster.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus
• Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
• Publisher: New York : Grosset & Dunlap
• Edition: First Photoplay edition, [1931]
• Binding: Red cloth hardcover
• Format: Octavo (8vo), single volume
  • Includes facsimile dust jacket
• Size: ~ 8.25in × 5.5in (21cm × 14cm)
• Collation: xiv, 240 pp
• Illustrations: 7 black and white film stills, including frontispiece and double-page spread
• Contents Include:
  • Full novel text
  • Suite of stills from the Universal photoplay featuring Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, and Mae Clarke

Condition:

Near Fine. The original red cloth binding shows next to no edgewear, though with a small blemish to the front board and some handling soiling to the spine. The hinges and text block are tight and secure, without damage or repair. The pages are clean, if uniformly toned as expected of books produced in this era. Some discoloration to endpapers. Includes Excellent facsimile dust jacket.

Why Collect This?

• Highly collectable edition of a classic gothic horror novel
• Includes stills from the Pre-Code Universal film adaptation starring Boris Karloff
• Heralded as the first true science fiction novel

Item Number: #31292