With the publication of FRANKENSTEIN, Mary Shelley created not only an immortal literary character, but her own place in the literary world apart from her renowned parents and her infamous husband, Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Even today, the idea of an 18-year-old girl creating such an intelligent and controversial masterpiece of horror in the year 1816 is awe-inspiring. But it's the tragedies and sorrows of her life that are mostly detailed in this definitive biography.

Seymour's research and knowledge of her subject is laid out in nearly 600 pages of text, excluding the index and footnotes. Literary laypersons might find it daunting, but for scholars, fans of Mary Shelley, and 19th century history buffs, it offers a fascinating look into a marvelous life.

The book begins with a brief history of her parents, popular philosopher and essayist William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, often considered to be the first feminist writer. Such distinguished parentage would deeply influence not only Mary's writing, but her personal life as well. Unfortunately, Wollstonecraft would die 12 days after Mary's birth due to complications. The loss of her mother haunted her, but it was only the beginning of a life of ill fate and tragic deaths.

Seymour's account of Shelley's life picks up more steam as the infamous Percy Bysshe Shelley enters the picture. At first a family friend, he then steals away not only 16-year-old Mary but also her 15-year-old stepsister to France. The roguish Percy also leaves behind his infant daughter and pregnant wife. Seymour paints an unflattering portrait of Percy, but her information is well-documented and her theories on his infidelities and probable affair with Mary's stepsister are backed with letters and journals. However, through her journals and letters, Mary Shelley comes across as being aware of her husband's self-absorption. She is forgiving because of his great genius. But perhaps too forgiving: The loss of three infant children, separation from her father, and a marred reputation were due in part to her notorious husband's behavior and the gossip of people she mistakenly thought of as trustworthy.

The more familiar story of the night spent with Lord Byron, when the idea of FRANKENSTEIN was conceived, receives less attention than one might expect here. Seymour's focus is mainly on Shelley's personal life and the many fascinating people who enter it --- literary giants as well as historical figures, such as Aaron Burr, Fanny Kemble, and Washington Irving.

The most impressive aspect of this biography is the depths to which the reader is taken into another period in time. It brings a greater understanding of the women who struggled to reconcile their intellectual and domestic sides and the society in which they existed. Among Mary's social set, the philosophy concerning marriage and free love was hampered by the lack of birth control, resulting in a number of illegitimate children. Along with the high infant mortality rate and lack of financial opportunities, these women suffered tremendously. And Mary Shelley suffered more than most. Seymour writes of the effect of Mary's tragic life on her work. And after reading this book, one wonders how she could have existed at all without such an outlet for her pain.

   --- Reviewed Lorretta Ruggiero

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