Mary Shelley's Grave - Bournemouth

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Mary Shelley: A Literary Pioneer

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Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary Shelley (née Godwin; 30 August 1797 – 1 February 1851) was an English novelist, essayist, short story writer, biographer, and travel writer, best known for her novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" (1818), which is considered to be one of the pioneering works of science fiction.

Early Life and Influences

Shelley was born in London, the daughter of William Godwin, an English philosopher, and Mary Wollstonecraft, an English writer, philosopher, and women's rights activist. Her parents' unconventional marriage and intellectual pursuits, as well as their exposure to the radical political and social ideas of the time, had a profound impact on Shelley's development.

At a young age, Shelley was exposed to the works of leading thinkers and writers, including William Shakespeare, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. She also developed a strong interest in science and mythology, which would later find expression in her writing.

Frankenstein: A Legacy Unmatched

Shelley's most famous work, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," was written when she was just 18 years old. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living creature from dead body parts. The creature, initially rejected by its creator, eventually turns on Frankenstein, wreaking havoc and destruction.

"Frankenstein" was an immediate success upon its publication in 1818, and it has continued to be read and studied ever since. The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage plays, and it has inspired countless works of art and literature.

Other Novels and Writings

While "Frankenstein" is Shelley's most well-known work, she wrote a number of other novels, including "Valperga" (1823), "The Last Man" (1826), and "Percy or, The Wandering Outlaw" (1823). She also wrote a number of short stories and essays, and she edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

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Legacy and Recognition

Mary Shelley is considered to be one of the most important and influential writers in the English language. She is a pioneer of the Gothic novel and a founding figure in the science fiction genre. Her work continues to be relevant and engaging, and her legacy is firmly established in the annals of literary history.
Her final resting place is not difficult to spot upon entry to St. Peter's Church, located in the town centre of Bournemouth.

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In true gothic romance, she is buried along with her husband's heart which was removed from the funeral pyre on the shores of Viareggio in Italy.