Frankenstein , by Universal and starring Boris Karloff turns 80 this year!

Universal released a special 75th anniversary DVD – I wonder if they plan to do the same for the 80th anniversary.

Out of the Shadows by Joanne Rendell is a novel that intertwines fiction with science. Claire, the main character is upset about the recent death of her mother and remembers that her mother told her that they were related to Mary Shelley. She begins researching Shelley and realizes that this is true. Meanwhile, her scientist husband begins to behave strangely – perhaps he is a modern Victor Frankenstein?

I have not yet read this novel but have it reserved at the library.

Psychology Today reviews the novel and pays close attention to the science in the novel – especially DNA researching and ethical issues.

Sony Pictures is planning a modern day version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This could be really good or really bad.

Matthew Tomlach will be producing and the screenplay was written by Craig Fernandez.

The film is scheduled to be released in 2013.

Happy Holidays from Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.

This review of Young Romantics by Daisy Hay at Salon is 6 months old now but is well worth a read if you missed it.

I am STILL waiting to get book from the library via my reserve list but it taking forever. I may just have to buy it because I am really eager to read it.

If you are also interested in purchasing it, it is available at Amazon.

The New York Public Library has animated the first book that Mary Shelley ever worked on – Mounseer Nongtongpaw, or the Discoveries of John Bull in a Trip to Paris.

Mary Shelley’s father, William Godwin, published the book when Mary was 10 years old. Mary Shelley didn’t work on this book by herself but it is believed that she developed the outline of the plot.

Mounseer Nongtongpaw, or the Discoveries of John Bull in a Trip to Paris was originally a comedic song from the 1790′s.

Below is the animated story.

The Bodleian Library is holding a video competition for the Shelley’s Ghost: Reshaping the Image of a Literary Family exhibition.

Winners will receive a signed copy of the exhibition book, Shelley’s Ghost: Reshaping the Image of a Literary Family.

To enter, simply submit a video of yourself reading a selection of a work by Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Willam Godwin or Mary Wollstonecraft. Include why you chose the author or the piece of work that you did. Entries must be received by March 2, 2011, you must be 18 to enter, and the contest is closed to employees of the Bodleian, their family members and anyone associated with the exhibition.

The following is the one entry that has already been received.

What do you think? Should I submit an entry?

The first handwritten draft of Frankenstein, as well as other works by Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft are on display at the Bodleian at Oxford.

The exhibition also includes a previously unseen portrait they is believed to be of Mary Shelley.

The exhibition called Shelley’s Ghost: Reshaping the Image of a Literary Family, is due to run from December 3 until March 27 2011.

After the exhibition ends in Oxford, it will be at the New York Public Library in New York City. That isn’t too far from home so I am hopeful I will be able to see the show.

Shelley’s Ghost: Reshaping the Image of a Literary Family,the book that accompanies the exhibition. will be released on January 15th and can be preordered.

More information is available at the official website.