There is no monster more iconic, perhaps, than Frankenstein’s monster. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s classic novel and the IU East Campus Library currently has lots of Frankenstein and Mary Shelley related resources on display and all available for checkout.
If you’re looking for some spooky reads to get you through the Halloween season, we have several different versions of Frankenstein in graphic novel form, including Victor LaValle’s Destroyer No. 1, which is a modern update of the Frankenstein story that reflects today’s current events in the United States. However, if you want to read a graphic novel that stays the most true to Shelley’s original text, then Gris Grimbly’s Frankenstein is the book for you.
We also have The Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Theodore Roszak and The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd for those interested in reading a different perspective to the Frankenstein story, diving more deeply into the moral and ethical horrors of the story and a getting a closer look at the social life and customs of the 19th century.
If you are a fan of horror films and wonder how Frankenstein achieved his iconic look, we have the classic Universal Studio’s Frankenstein (1931) staring Boris Karloff as well as Bride of Frankenstein (1935). We also have the more recent and family-friendly Frankenweenie (2013) by Tim Burton for a more light-hearted version of the story.
All the above are fictionalized retellings of the classic novel, but if you are wanting to dig a little deeper for some serious, academic research, then check out our libguide, Piecing Together Frankenstein: Frankenstein at IU East Library, at https://iue.libguides.com/Frankenstein200/home. The libguide includes articles discussing the cultural, social, and moral impact of Frankenstein as well as the history and life of Mary Shelley and the science that inspired her. The libguide also lists some games and hypertext narratives inspired by Frankenstein, including a game created by IU East Campus Library’s very own KT Lowe and Beth South, called Virus Frankenstein.
Frankenstein is also the novel currently featured as Indiana Humanities’ One State/One Story project and there are plenty of Frankenstein related activities and events happening throughout the State in October and November. Theatrical performances, film screenings, masquerades, and author talks are some of the engaging events to celebrate 200 years of Frankenstein. You can find a list of activities at https://indianahumanities.org/10-dont-miss-frankenstein-programs-coming-this-fall.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the library resources or want additional information, just Ask Us! iueref@iue.edu. Also, if you happen to see any Frankensteins monsters running around this Halloween, be sure to wish them a Happy 200th Birthday.