Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus (Edition 1831)
Mary Shelley
Read by Thomas A. Copeland
A mentally unstable genius, Victor Frankenstein, inspired by the dreams of ancient alchemists and empowered by modern science, creates a humanoid but fails to nurture and educate it after it comes to life. It wanders alone into a hostile world, where fear of its size and ugliness subjects it to violence and ostracism, which in time it learns to blame upon its maker. As compensation for its suffering, it demands that he create a companion with whom to share its outcast life. Moved by the creature's account of its sufferings, the scientist agrees, but a long period of procrastination awakens doubts that ultimately cause him to break his promise. In retaliation, the creature begins a campaign of vengeance. Although its serious crimes are limited to those which will wound his maker's heart, Victor imagines much more widespread harm, supposing the human race itself to be the creature's intended victim. There then follows a chase into the frozen north, which the creature prolongs so as to destroy his pursuer by exposure and exhaustion.
This story, narrated by Victor, forms a frame surrounding the creature's tale of its wanderings, education, and unhappy encounters with human beings. Victor's narrative is itself framed within a series of letters written by the young mariner who rescues him from an iceberg while engaged in his own ambitious scientific endeavor, searching for the North Pole.
This novel was begun while the author and her lover, Percy Shelley, were in hiding from her father and Percy's wife on the shores of Lake Geneva, where they were the frequent house guests of Lord Byron. The young people all began to write "ghost" stories, but only Mary's was destined to enjoy success. The novel was published in 1818. Percy contributed a preface and later made extensive emendations. After his death Mary herself thoroughly revised the text and published it again in 1831. This is the text read in this project. (Summary by Thomas Copeland) (8 hr 44 min)
Chapters
| Part 00: Intro & Preface | 19:02 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 01: Letter 1 | 8:00 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 02: Letter 2 | 8:44 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 03: Letter 3 | 2:20 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 04: Letter 4 | 17:32 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 05: Chapter 01 | 11:54 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 06: Chapter 02 | 15:26 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 07: Chapter 03 | 17:38 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 08: Chapter 04 | 17:36 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 09: Chapter 05 | 15:16 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 10: Chapter 06 | 17:47 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 11: Chapter 07 | 23:27 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 12: Chapter 08 | 20:33 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 13: Chapter 09 | 15:51 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 14: Chapter 10 | 17:07 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 15: Chapter 11 | 18:43 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 16: Chapter 12 | 13:54 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 17: Chapter 13 | 14:04 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 18: Chapter 14 | 11:38 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 19: Chapter 15 | 22:09 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 20: Chapter 16 | 21:47 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 21: Chapter 17 | 13:32 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 22: Chapter 18 | 19:40 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 23: Chapter 19 | 17:32 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 24: Chapter 20 | 22:47 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 25: Chapter 21 | 23:21 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 26: Chapter 22 | 22:46 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 27: Chapter 23 | 17:04 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
| Part 28: Chapter 24 | 57:37 | Read by Thomas A. Copeland |
Reviews
Perfect!
Alba Perez
I love the way Thomas Copeland reads. I think his voice fits this book perfectly. Completely fell in love! I wish I could carry his voice in my pocket.
Frankenstein, revised edition
Neill
Thomas Copeland did a very good job in this reading. His voice was clear and spurred the reader to listen more carefully. The text itself is very well written.
It's Alive!
U2WalkOn
Okay, that's Young Frankenstein. The point is, Thomas Copeland did an extremely wonderful reading. He brought the story to life. His use of inflection, tone, characterization, etc. was right on the money for my ears. My focus was on the story, not the reader - which is perhaps is the best way I can complement Mr. Copeland. This was the first time I've ever been exposed to the actual Mary Shelley novel. I'm very glad to have chosen this recording as my initiation. BTW, I have also purchased the Kindle/ Audible combination from Amazon for my next pass. My initial impression of that recording is that it is good, but has nothing on Mr. Copeland's rendition. Thank you so much sir. I will be seeking other instances of your work.
Jason
Mary Shelley's seminal genre-defining story of mankind's hubris, creeping horror and the anguish of retribution still has much to say about the human condition. Thomas Copeland's reading is heartfelt and at turns both soothing and terrifyingly dramatic, offered with eloquence and professionalism. I enjoyed this tale immensely, having put it off too long. I advise that you not leave it so long as I, and take the opportunity without delay to let this adaption transport you to the beating heart of the Frankenstein mythos.
AMAZING!!!
Shelly Yourbragh (your-bruh)
This is an amazing book! It really gives us a new perspective about life that no one ever thinks about! The narrator did a amazing job and was very clear, did not stutter and just made me wanna listen to this book forever! I have listened to it three times now lol! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MR. THOMAS A. COPELAND THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR, BECAUSE OF YOUR EXCELLENT READING THIS BOOK HAS CHANGED MY LIFE
fascinating look into the human mind
A LibriVox Listener
I enjoyed it very much. The Frankenstein monster was like a kid not understanding of the world. Dr Frankenstein's was to blinded with his own ambitions to do what was right in the beginning. That is what cause their destruction. Amazing story!
frankenstein - read for coursework
A LibriVox Listener
great novel. includes good narrative, themes and issues which are still relevant today. read it and make up your own mind. its shame modern understandings of frankenstein will be that of a green monster created by dracula lol.
Morné
Excellent reading by the narrator. My only gripe is the sound quality could be better. But as for the reading itself, made the book come alive and kept me captivated to the end.