Frankenstein Lives: The Legacy of the World's Most Famous Monster

It’s alive! …Again! Frankenstein Lives brings to life the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley’s Creature in thrilling images and captivating commentary.

Beginning with the story of Mary Shelley’s conception of the novel on a stormy night on the shores of Lake Geneva, Frankenstein Lives traces the Creature’s transformation from a nameless literary monster to an international sensation, appearing in films, television shows, and commercial merchandise. The Creature has even appeared on a cereal box!

Frankenstein’s monster has been a hero and a villain, a star in both comedies and dramas. He has gone head-to-head with both Dracula and the Wolf Man, tap danced with Gene Wilder, joked around with Abbott and Costello, served as the butler for the Addams family, and continues to star in films today. With special attention placed on the 1931 film starring Boris Karloff staggering through the mad scientist’s laboratory, the book explores the classic—and often misunderstood—character. This visual guide includes photos of Shelley’s manuscript pages, Boris Karloff on set as the Creature in the 1931 film, and much more! Frankenstein Lives brings the history to life, including:

• Mary Shelley’s background and inspiration • Film portrayals of Frankenstein’s monster, including upcoming film adaptions • Commercial merchandizing of the monster, including costumes and video games • Profiles of the Bride, Igor, and Dracula • And much more!

Relive the Creature’s greatest pop culture moments in this visually stunning and comprehensive guide to the green monster that we can’t stop loving.

© 2025 Castle Books (Ebook): 9780760396858

Release date

Ebook: 5 August 2025