Secret Life Of Books - Frankenstein

[jazzy_dave]

I have just watched via the BBC iPlayer the sixth episode in the series The Secret Life Of Books as it was about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this half hour documentary we see the original manuscript of the novel at the Bodleain in Oxford in which corrections and editing have been made by Peter Bysshe Shelley. It was he who edited most of Victor Frankenstein's narration leaving the narration of the monster to Mary.

Also the letters are partially undated but the programme goes to show that the letters which span the novel are roughly from a nine month period from when Mary was conceived to the two days after her mothers death. Mary Wollstonecraft died 11 days after Mary was born.

It was a fascinating documentary and one which will help me enjoy re-reading the book again soon.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p024rzjl

"The Secret Life of Books -
6. Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein manuscripts, Alice Roberts finds someone concerned with the act of creation itself and evidence of husband Percy's collaborative role".

Learn more here -

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/secret-life-books

Comments

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

Dear BBC America, maybe a little less Kitchen Nightmares and a little more documentaries like this one please. :o
Hugs, Jon

[londonkds.livejournal.com]

I wonder if Percy intended how obnoxious Victor Frankenstein seems now when you read the novel.

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

That would have been a really good watch. I hope that series comes out here.

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

Whoa...fascinating.