Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus (1818)


Read by Cori Samuel

(4.7 stars; 787 reviews)

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel written by the British author Mary Shelley. Shelley wrote the novel when she was 18 years old. The first edition was published anonymously in London in 1818, and this audiobook is read from that text. Shelley's name appeared on the revised third edition, published in 1831. The title of the novel refers to the scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who learns how to create life and creates a being in the likeness of man, but larger than average and more powerful. In modern popular culture, people have tended to refer to the Creature as "Frankenstein" (especially in films since 1931), despite this being the name of the scientist, and the creature being unnamed in the book itself. Frankenstein is a novel infused with elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement. It was also a warning against the "over-reaching" of modern man and the Industrial Revolution, alluded to in the novel's subtitle, The Modern Prometheus. The story has had an influence across literature and popular culture and spawned a complete genre of horror stories and films. It is arguably considered the first fully-realised science fiction novel and raises many issues still relevant to today's society. (Summary from Wikipedia.org, adapted by Cori Samuel.) (7 hr 59 min)

Chapters

01 - Dedication and Preface 4:36 Read by Cori Samuel
02 - Vol. I, Letter I 7:51 Read by Cori Samuel
03 - Vol. I, Letter II 6:49 Read by Cori Samuel
04 - Vol. I, Letter III 1:49 Read by Cori Samuel
05 - Vol. I, Letter IV 14:43 Read by Cori Samuel
06 - Vol. I, Chapter I 19:58 Read by Cori Samuel
07 - Vol. I, Chapter II 15:15 Read by Cori Samuel
08 - Vol. I, Chapter III 17:22 Read by Cori Samuel
09 - Vol. I, Chapter IV 15:38 Read by Cori Samuel
10 - Vol. I, Chapter V 17:28 Read by Cori Samuel
11 - Vol. I, Chapter VI 24:56 Read by Cori Samuel
12 - Vol. I, Chapter VII 19:47 Read by Cori Samuel
13 - Vol. II, Chapter I 13:41 Read by Cori Samuel
14 - Vol. II, Chapter II 14:55 Read by Cori Samuel
15 - Vol. II, Chapter III 18:22 Read by Cori Samuel
16 - Vol. II, Chapter IV 13:54 Read by Cori Samuel
17 - Vol. II, Chapter V 14:12 Read by Cori Samuel
18 - Vol. II, Chapter VI 11:36 Read by Cori Samuel
19 - Vol. II, Chapter VII 20:29 Read by Cori Samuel
20 - Vol. II, Chapter VIII 19:55 Read by Cori Samuel
21 - Vol. II, Chapter IX 12:56 Read by Cori Samuel
22 - Vol. III, Chapter I 18:01 Read by Cori Samuel
23 - Vol. III, Chapter II 16:01 Read by Cori Samuel
24 - Vol. III, Chapter III 22:41 Read by Cori Samuel
25 - Vol. III, Chapter IV 23:19 Read by Cori Samuel
26 - Vol. III, Chapter V 21:14 Read by Cori Samuel
27 - Vol. III, Chapter VI 16:27 Read by Cori Samuel
28 - Vol. III, Chapter VII 19:55 Read by Cori Samuel
29 - Vol. III, Letters 35:25 Read by Cori Samuel

Reviews

wonderful version of this classic.


(5 stars)

I chose to listen to Frankenstein for cultural literacy's sake- never having been exposed to it in school. This is a clear and superb reading in a woman's voice that does not fail to remind us that this beautiful prose was penned originally by a woman. I was filled with dread from the start and relieved by the end! Thank you Librivox and Cori Samuel (reader)!

love it


(5 stars)

I love listening to how English was spoken almost 200 years ago. As Mary Shelly was 18 when she wrote this, I think it would be impossible to find am 18 year old man or woman who could speak or write a as such. And the reader, I could listen to her read the dictionary!

great


(5 stars)

I have read this book at least twice. By far one of my all time favorites. it contains a fantastic use of language and stunning imagery. the subject matter inspires deep thought and reflection. in addition, the authors personal convictions make this an all-around masterpiece. Miss Samuel, wonderful job to you also.

Fantastic novel, fantastic volunteer


(5 stars)

This is both a wonderful novel, and very nicely read; I was surprised to find the volunteer did not stumble even once while reading, which makes this the best version I have found. Really well done, I recommend, strongly.

Great reading, great book


(5 stars)

I was hesitant at first upon hearing the voice, but she handles each word with such grace and passion. it complements the tone of the novel perfectly and I loved every minute.


(5 stars)

I have to say... The lady who reads this out is an absolute star (actually 5 that is)

Sad but sweet


(5 stars)

I tried a couple versions of Frankenstein before I settled on this one, which I chose because of the reader's resigned but melancholy tone. Even though the narrators are all supposed to be men, she perfectly captures the sentiment and passion so typical of the Romantic period, and I never found a woman's voice incongruous with any of the text. A real joy to listen to, despite the sad subject.

perfect


(5 stars)

There are many other readings of Frankenstein here on librivox but this is by far the best in my opinion. Cori Samuel has such a beautiful and clear voice and perfect tone for this story. The story itself surprised me by how much deeper and philosophical it was than I thought it would be. A masterpiece it is really