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Frankenstein: inspiring the monster
Explore how this influential novel was inspired by science in the 19th century.
The tale of a curious scientist who creates a sapient but grotesque Creature in a scientific experiment gone wrong has shaped science fiction writing for generations. Written by Mary Shelley in 1818, it defined a whole new genre of literature, but what was the inspiration behind her legendary story?
We joined an expert panel to journey back to a time when using electricity was a novel concept, curiosity and research went hand in hand, and unorthodox scientific experimentation was the norm. Attendees discovered how the public perception of research and eminent scientists of the time influenced Shelley to unleash her Monster on the world.
Speakers included:
- Professor Richard Holmes, Biographer and Author
- Professor Steve Jones FRS, Emeritus Professor of Genetics, University College London
- Dr Kathryn Harkup, Science Communicator
- Professor Roger Luckhurst, Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Birkbeck University of London
For all enquiries, please contact events@royalsociety.org.