Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus Hardcover – April 21, 2016

Should have made the original movie more like the book.

'Frankenstein: with illustrations by Nino Carbe' by Mary Wollstonecraft includes an introduction by the artist's daughter for those unfamiliar, and a series of black and white and color illustrations. The black and white drawings are for a 1932 illustrated edition. The color paintings were completed by the artist in the 1980s.Victor Frankenstein would seem to have it all: good looks, intelligence and a family and friends that love him. That is not enough for this insatiably curious man, so he creates a creature, then abandons it irresponsibly. The consequences that follow are devastating to Victor.The black and white illustrations are pen and ink drawings that almost feel like woodcuts. There are also illuminated letters at the beginning of the chapters. The paintings divide the sections of the book with my favorite one on the page before the cover page. In this painting, the creature has bedraggled hair covering one eye. The eye we can see has a very visible tear. This is a creature to be pitied (at least at first). Carbe's drawings show us a deformed person with a misaligned jaw and a bit of a hunch. The unwashed hair hangs down. The illustrations are dramatic and striking. Most are on the grotesque side, and they complement this famous book very well.I was unfamiliar with Nino Carbe, so I was surprised to learn that in his long career, he worked for Disney off and on. He had an influence on the movie Fantasia. I'd certainly like to learn more about this artist and his various work.I received a copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

I had seen the movie multiple times, as a child, typically with my older brother and his best friend sitting in a fort made of sofa cushions. I have heard, a few times, that the movie bears little resemblance to the book, and so when I saw this newly illustrated version, I decided to move Frankenstein from my “to-read” shelf to at least “currently reading.” After closing this book, I can say that I’m not exactly sure what Hollywood got out of this book, since it bears little resemblance to this novel.First published in 1818, Mary Shelley’s first novel is a classic gothic horror / science-fiction novel. This newly illustrated version, published 20 April 2016, contains the text and illustrations from the original publication in 1932, the Illustrated Library Edition. Included in this are five color illustrations by Nino Carbé have been added to this edition. Nino Carbé was an artist prior to being hired by Walt Disney. He was moved up to the storyboard and layout department for the movie Fantasia, when Walt saw a drawing of Nino’s – a sketch of a fairy coming out of a dandelion. That little sketch became the “Sugar Plum Fairy” sequence in Fantasia. But that was just the beginning – his list of project he’s associated with is long, including Jungle Book, Woody Woodpecker, Spiderman, The Pink Panther, and the first animated feature of The Lord of the Rings.The prose is lovely, the story is less than believable, which no one should find shocking – the creature of Dr. Frankenstein’s creation also bears little resemblance, physically or verbally, to the idea I’d grown up with. His vision is idealistic and childlike, with no thought to any repercussions that might follow his potential success.“The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember.”After his creation is walking about, Dr. Frankenstein has an awakening, and a change of heart toward his creation. He spends a lot of his time internally conflicted; hating himself for his creation, and the havoc it has created.Frankenstein’s creation wants only to find a haven where he can be accepted, where he can find comfort with at least one other being. As time has passed, he has listened, become somewhat educated, and hopes for the companionship of one person who is like him. In many ways, though, he is an 8 ft. tall, extremely strong toddler, no is not an acceptable answer. He wants what Dr. Frankenstein has, a family, love.Many thanks to Dover Publications – Calla Editions, and NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy to read.

Absolutely beautiful cover, with gorgeous illustrations by Nino Carb. Indeed a must have in any collectors library. I can't wait to start reading this amazing story.