Frankenstein Lives: The Legacy of the World’s Most Famous Monster

“Frankenstein’s monster was a blank slate that grew and learned and created a life for itself,” writes Ruditis (Battlestar Galactica Vault) in this fun and informative history of the character. Beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s inspiration for the story while staying in Switzerland in 1816, Ruditis recounts the novel’s conception and the sensation it became. He covers the first ever adaptation of Shelley’s novel written for the English stage in 1823 before turning his attention to film adaptations, including James Whale’s famous 1931 film, in which Boris Karloff appears as the monster. Ruditis describes the development of the distinctive makeup for the creature, which became so iconic that Universal Studios and makeup artist Jack Pierce copyrighted it. The author also dives deep on Whale’s 1935 sequel Bride of Frankenstein, details Hammer studio’s B-movie cult classic films of the 1950s and ’60s, and discusses more modern adaptations, including the “Frankenstein-esque” novel (and film) Poor Things. Ruditis’s account is well paced, and he impressively demonstrates the far-ranging influence of Shelley’s creation, taking note of its appearance in comic books, breakfast cereals, and Frankenstein-themed attractions at Universal Studios. Horror fans will appreciate this lively account. (Aug.)