The Cambridge Companion to ‘Frankenstein'

Abstract

"The Cambridge Companion to Frankenstein consists of sixteen original essays on Mary Shelley's novel by leading scholars, providing an invaluable introduction to Frankenstein and its various critical contexts. Theoretically informed but accessibly written, this volume relates Frankenstein to various social, literary, scientific and historical contexts, and outlines how critical theories such as ecocriticism, posthumanism, and queer theory generate new and important discussion in illuminating ways. The volume also explores the cultural afterlife of the novel including its adaptations in various media such as drama, film, television, graphic novels, and literature aimed at children and young adults. Written by an international team of leading experts, the essays provide new insights into the novel and the various critical approaches which can be applied to it. The volume is an essential guide to students and academics who are interested in Frankenstein and who wish to know more about its complex literary history"-- Introduction / Andrew Smith. -- Part I. Historical and Literary Contexts: -- Frankenstein : its composition and publication / Charles E. Robinson -- Contextualizing sources / Lisa Vargo -- Romantic contexts / Jerrold E. Hogle -- The context of the novel / Catherine Lanone -- Scientific contexts / Andrew Smith -- Frankenstein's politics / Adriana Craciun. -- Part II. Theories and Forms: -- The female Gothic / Angela Wright -- What is queer about Frankenstein? / George E. Haggerty -- Race and Frankenstein / Patrick Brantlinger -- Frankenstein and ecocriticism / Timothy Morton -- The posthuman / Andy Mousley. -- Part III. Adaptations: -- Nineteenth-century dramatic adaptations of Frankenstein / Diane Long Hoeveler -- Frankenstein and film / Mark Jancovich -- Literature / David Punter -- Frankenstein in comics and graphic novels / Christopher Murray -- Growing up Frankenstein : adaptations for young readers / Karen Coats, Farran Norris Sands.