Author
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
1797-1851
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Frankenstein; or, the modern prometheus
"Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a Gothic novel published in 1818. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living creature from assembled body parts in an unorthodox experiment. When the creature awakens, Victor flees in horror, abandoning his creation. The conscious being must navigate a world that fears him, learning language and seeking connection, only to face repeated rejection. Embittered and alone, the creature confronts his creator with a desperate request that will set both on a dark path of vengeance and tragedy.
The Last Man
"The Last Man" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is an apocalyptic science fiction novel published in 1826. Set in late 21st-century Europe, the story follows humanity's struggle as a devastating plague sweeps across the globe, threatening extinction. Through the eyes of Lionel Verney and his circle—including characters inspired by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron—the novel explores love, ambition, and survival against civilization's collapse. Written after profound personal loss, this pioneering work of dystopian fiction envisions Britain as a republic while chronicling humanity's darkest hour.
Mathilda
"Mathilda" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novella written between 1819 and 1820. Narrating from her deathbed, a young woman reveals the dark secret behind her isolation: her father's confession of incestuous love and his subsequent suicide. Written during Shelley's own profound grief after losing two children, this Gothic tale explores forbidden desire, guilt, and emotional withdrawal. The story follows Mathilda's lonely existence and her friendship with the poet Woodville, who cannot prevent her tragic decline.
Tales and Stories Now First Collected
"Tales and Stories" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The volume brings together her lesser-known narratives, showcasing her distinctive voice and imaginative style. While many readers may be familiar with her iconic novel "Frankenstein," this collection aims to reveal Shelley's versatility as a storyteller, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human experience through various characters and settings. At the start of the collection, the introduction delves into Mary Shelley's literary reputation, suggesting it is often overshadowed by her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley’s fame. It highlights her creative journey and the blend of personal experiences within her writing. Following this, the opening story, "The Sisters of Albano," unfolds a poignant narrative about two sisters, Maria and Anina, who are deeply affected by societal expectations and family tragedy. Their tale, shaped by love and sacrifice amidst the backdrop of romantic Italy, introduces readers to the emotional depth and dramatic circumstances that will permeate the subsequent stories in the collection.
Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by Mary Shelley is a collection of biographies published in 1838–39. Part of a larger encyclopedia aimed at Britain's self-educating middle class, these volumes profile important French writers and thinkers from the 14th to 18th centuries. Shelley combines historical research with memoir and personal opinion, portraying women sympathetically while arguing for educational and social opportunities. Her work reveals extensive knowledge of history and languages, though limited research materials sometimes constrained her efforts.
Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men of France, Vol. 2 (of 2)" is part of a biographical encyclopedia published between 1838-39. Written primarily by Mary Shelley, this volume profiles influential French writers and thinkers from the 14th to 18th centuries. Shelley portrays women sympathetically, examining their social restrictions while arguing for educational opportunities. Her work demonstrates extensive historical knowledge and emerging feminist perspectives, combining research, memoir, and personal commentary to create compelling biographical narratives that reached more readers than her novels.
Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 2 of 2
"Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 2 of 2" by Mary Shelley is a travel narrative published in 1844. This final published work chronicles Shelley's European journeys with her son and his friends, revisiting Italy where she had lived with her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley. The narrative blends personal pilgrimage with political commentary, challenging conventions by advocating for Italian independence and unification. Shelley champions revolutionary exiles and criticizes Austrian, French, and Church domination, presenting Italy through an explicitly political lens uncommon for women writers of her era.
Proserpine and Midas
"Proserpine and Midas" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a verse drama written in 1820 for children, with contributions from her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley. Based on Ovid's tale of Proserpine's abduction by Pluto, this blank verse drama reimagines the ancient myth from a feminist perspective, emphasizing the bond between mother Ceres and daughter Proserpine. When the young goddess vanishes, Ceres must confront death itself to recover her child. The play explores themes of separation, maternal love, and female solidarity through a community of women who face divine forces beyond their control.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 1 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 1 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being assembled from dead body parts, then abandons his hideous creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his maker and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic exploration frame, this pioneering work of gothic fiction and early science-fiction explores themes of creation, abandonment, and vengeance through the intertwined stories of creator and creation.
Falkner: A Novel
"Falkner: A Novel" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novel published in 1837. When six-year-old orphan Elizabeth Raby saves Rupert Falkner from suicide, he adopts her and raises her as his own. Years later, she falls in love with Gerald Neville—the son of a woman Falkner unintentionally drove to her death. As past tragedies resurface and accusations of murder emerge, Elizabeth must reconcile the two men she loves while navigating the destructive forces of their shared history.
Notes to the Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley
"Notes to the Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley" by Mary W. Shelley is a literary analysis and commentary produced in the early 19th century. This work aims to illuminate the poetic genius of Percy Bysshe Shelley, detailing not only the context and origins of his poems but also providing critical insights into his thoughts and emotions that influenced his writing. The opening portion of the text begins with Mary Shelley's preface, where she expresses her duty to present a definitive collection of her husband's works. She reflects on Shelley's character and passions, emphasizing his noble desire for social justice and his deep engagement with both the beauty of nature and the plight of humanity. She categorizes his poetry into imaginatively rich pieces and those that spring from personal emotions, underscoring how his life experiences shaped the themes of love, freedom, and grief in his verses. This preface sets the stage for understanding Shelley's profound influence on literature and his enduring legacy as a visionary poet.
The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck: a romance
"The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck: A Romance" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1830. Set after the Battle of Bosworth, it follows the fate of a young man claimed to be Richard, Duke of York, the supposedly murdered son of King Edward IV. Shelley treats him as the genuine prince rather than an impostor, portraying an idealistic figure thrust into dangerous political intrigue. Through Richard and the women who support him, the novel explores loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of power struggles in Tudor England.
Valperga Volume 1 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 1 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during medieval Italy's wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines, it follows the real fourteenth-century despot Castruccio Castracani as his armies threaten the fortress of Valperga. Countess Euthanasia, who governs the fortress and loves Castruccio, must choose between her feelings for him and political liberty. Through this medieval tale, Shelley explores questions of political power, republicanism, and the right to autonomy against imperial conquest.
Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 1 of 2
"Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 1 of 2" by Mary Shelley is a travel narrative published in 1844. This work chronicles Shelley's journeys through Europe with her son and his university friends, returning to Italy where she had lived with her late husband and lost two children. More than a typical travelogue, Shelley frames her account as a political commentary, advocating for Italian independence and challenging conventions against women writing about politics. The book emerged from her involvement with Italian revolutionary exiles in Paris.
Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 3 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines in early fourteenth-century Italy, it follows the real historical figure Castruccio Castracani, a despot who becomes lord of Lucca. His conquests threaten the fortress of Valperga, ruled by Countess Euthanasia, the woman he loves. She must choose between her love for him and political liberty, highlighting themes of power, autonomy, and moral principles in post-Napoleonic Europe.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 3 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 3 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being from dead body parts, only to abandon his hideous creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his creator and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic exploration, the story weaves together Frankenstein's account and the monster's own tale of survival and suffering, creating a Gothic masterpiece that explores both terror and profound philosophical questions.
History of a Six Weeks' Tour Through a Part of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland: With Letters Descriptive of a Sail Round the Lake of Geneva, and of the Glaciers of Chamouni.
"History of a Six Weeks' Tour Through a Part of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland" by Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley is a travel narrative published in 1817. This work chronicles two journeys: a daring elopement across Europe in 1814 and a fateful summer at Lake Geneva in 1816 that inspired "Frankenstein". Combining journal entries, letters, and Percy's poem "Mont Blanc", the narrative blends Romantic enthusiasm with surprisingly frank political commentary. The text captures youthful spontaneity while subtly revealing the radical ideas of its authors.
Lodore, Vol. 2 (of 3)
"Lodore, Vol. 2 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novel published in 1835. After Lord Lodore dies in a duel, his wife Cornelia and daughter Ethel must navigate a maze of legal, financial, and family challenges. Shelley examines power and responsibility through three contrasting women: the over-dependent Ethel, the society-focused Cornelia, and the independent Fanny Derham. The novel explores women's education and their struggle against a patriarchal culture that pressures them into dependence on men.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 2 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 2 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being from dead flesh, only to abandon his creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his creator and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic expedition frame, the story explores the consequences of ambition and abandonment. This Gothic tale blends horror with philosophy, becoming a precursor to science fiction and a lasting cultural archetype.
Valperga Volume 2 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 2 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines in fourteenth-century Italy, the story follows the real historical figure Castruccio Castracani, a despot who conquers territories including Florence. His ambitions threaten the fortress of Valperga, ruled by Countess Euthanasia, the woman he loves. She must choose between her devotion to him and her commitment to political liberty. Through medieval history, Shelley explores themes of imperialism, republicanism, and moral principle.
Lodore, Vol. 1 (of 3)
"Lodore, Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novel published in 1835. When Lord Lodore dies in a duel, he leaves behind his daughter Ethel and estranged wife Cornelia to navigate a web of legal, financial, and familial challenges. Shelley examines power and responsibility through three contrasting women: the over-dependent Ethel, society-obsessed Cornelia, and the independent intellectual Fanny Derham. The novel explores women's education and social roles within a patriarchal culture that pressured them into dependence.
The Heir of Mondolfo
"The Heir of Mondolfo" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a romantic novel that likely originated during the late 19th century. Set in the picturesque backdrop of the Kingdom of Naples, the story explores themes of love, conflict, and social status as it follows the lives of Prince Ludovico and his tumultuous familial relationships, particularly with his father, Prince Fernando. The narrative delves into notions of honor and personal freedom, highlighting the struggles of a noble heir caught between the expectations of lineage and the desires of his heart. The story centers around Ludovico, who is raised under the tyrannical shadow of his father, Fernando, who despises him and intends for him to take holy orders. After a series of harsh treatments and the death of his beloved mother, Ludovico finds solace in the company of Viola, a gentle peasant girl. Their love blossoms, and they secretly marry, but their happiness is threatened by Fernando's relentless ambition and cruelty. When the prince learns of Ludovico's union, he forcibly separates the couple, leading to a dramatic pursuit and eventual reunion against all odds. The tale culminates in an exploration of familial duty, identity, and the transformative power of love, as Ludovico ultimately inherits Mondolfo while embracing his humble roots.
Lodore, Vol. 3 (of 3)
"Lodore, Vol. 3 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novel published in 1835. When Lord Lodore dies in a duel, his wife and daughter must navigate the wreckage he leaves behind. Shelley examines power and responsibility through three contrasting women: the over-dependent Ethel, raised under strict paternal control; her estranged mother Cornelia, consumed by aristocratic appearances; and the independent Fanny Derham. The novel explores women's education and their struggle against a patriarchal culture that pressures them into dependence.