Frankenstein

This is a pretty nerdy book. I could have gotten any number of free Project Gutenberg editions of Frankenstein, but I had a dilemma over whether to read the 1818 or the 1831 edition. Annotated versions solve the problem! Included with the 1818 text are several articles on cultural impact, annotations that help you experience both the texts and the changes Shelley made in between, as well as tons of notes fearlessly attempting to explain away plot holes.

I'd never actually read Frankenstein before this, and this might not be the best way to experience it as a first read, but I still enjoyed the process. It seems silly to review the actual story because what could I add to the other two centuries of criticism? That said, one of the forewards writes of Frankenstein as a modern myth in line with Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. When you say “Frankenstein,” people know what you mean even if you've never touched the book. So it's surprising how different the story is from the myth that has been passed down the last few centuries. It's a story I'm glad I finally read, and an edition that does justice to author and the story.

Bonus: Klinger is clearly a big fan of Young Frankenstein and one of the appendices is an interview with Mel Brooks.