Shelley, Mary.

12mo (191 x 113mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, half-titles, publisher's advertisements (2pp. in volume 1, 8pp. in volume 2 and 4pp. in volume 3), uncut in the original boards, preserved in velvet-lined red morocco folding box by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, rebacked at an early stage with red paper-covered linen, a few small tears to some leaves, some stains and soiling to text and boards, spines slightly cracked

"H. Gott", ownership signature on front endpaper of volume 2; Paul Francis Webster, book-labels, the sale of his library at Sotheby's New York, 24 April 1985, lot 77

The New York lyricist Paul Francis Webster (1907-1984) collaborated with many of the great composers and conductors including Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, André Previn and Henry Mancini. In a career spanning more than forty years he wrote over 500 songs, received a total of sixteen Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars. He had an equally long career as a book collector. His first collection of English and American literature was sold by Parke-Bernet on 28 April 1947; his second at Sotheby's New York on 24 April 1985.

Ashley 5, p.29; Wolff 6280; Wise, Shelley Library, p.8; Tinker 1881

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Webster copy in boards of the first edition of the best known fiction of the Romantic era and the first work of science fiction in English literature.

In the introduction to the 1831 edition of her masterpiece of gothic horror, Mary Shelley recounts the story, now a famous moment in literary history, of the stormy night in June 1816 at the Villa Diodati by Lake Geneva where she (still only eighteen years old), Percy Shelley, Claire Clairmont and Lord Byron initiated a ghost-story writing contest which led to the composition of Frankenstein. "From a 'waking dream' she created an instant myth that captured the public imagination. The story of the scientist and his creature rapidly permeated all levels of society, and became the material of theatrical productions, newspapers, political cartoons, parliamentary debate, translations, and countless inexpensive and/or pirated reprints..." (Betty T. Bennett, Oxford DNB). Since then the story of Frankenstein has, of course, continued to hold a central place as narrative and metaphor in the popular imagination, the most famous incarnation being, perhaps, the classic 1931 film adaptation starring Boris Karloff.