I assume you're answering the question I posed at the end, about how much you knew about Mary. It's either frighteningly obsessive, or a blank canvas. I'm thinking the former.
"The other nations of Europe were yet immersed in barbarism, when Italy, where the light of civilization had never been wholly eclipsed, began to emerge from the darkness of the ruin of the Western Empire, and to catch from the East the returning rays of literature and science."
I think I'm more excited, Andrew, by being re-acquainted with Julia Sweeney (and her work), and seeing what she's up to today (and how wonderful she looks)! I'm also surprised that another notable quotable is doing what we're doing....pounding out stories on this here thing called Substack! Thanks for that, and I'll check out her creative output forthwith!
I didn't know this pre-story at all, especially the fact that she drew inspiration from Galvani's frogs (which makes a whole lot of sense.)
But I do recall reading about different (and conflicting) controversies.
One of them discussed why she got credited without her first name as "Mrs. Percy B. Shelley" - opinions ranged from "sexism" to "that was proper etiquette for crediting married women at the time."
The second one was about the fact that Percy actually had a major influence on the book, if not outright writing most of it, without getting proper credit.
Can't say I took the time to dive into the topic beyond that though.
You don't want to know.
I mean, now everyone is intrigued.
I assume you're answering the question I posed at the end, about how much you knew about Mary. It's either frighteningly obsessive, or a blank canvas. I'm thinking the former.
Let's start with "I own more than 1 book that she wrote."
Did you enjoy today's piece? Did I do all right by Mary?
You did fine. I am a scholar of the period.
"The other nations of Europe were yet immersed in barbarism, when Italy, where the light of civilization had never been wholly eclipsed, began to emerge from the darkness of the ruin of the Western Empire, and to catch from the East the returning rays of literature and science."
Valperga
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley_bibliography lists the online texts where available.
My first thought was, where is this going, I’m here for it. Haha
I didn’t know anything about her other than she wrote this particular book. Very cool stuff!
You might appreciate this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPBv9SGgwho
I think I'm more excited, Andrew, by being re-acquainted with Julia Sweeney (and her work), and seeing what she's up to today (and how wonderful she looks)! I'm also surprised that another notable quotable is doing what we're doing....pounding out stories on this here thing called Substack! Thanks for that, and I'll check out her creative output forthwith!
Small world! I'm happy to connect folks.
I didn't know this pre-story at all, especially the fact that she drew inspiration from Galvani's frogs (which makes a whole lot of sense.)
But I do recall reading about different (and conflicting) controversies.
One of them discussed why she got credited without her first name as "Mrs. Percy B. Shelley" - opinions ranged from "sexism" to "that was proper etiquette for crediting married women at the time."
The second one was about the fact that Percy actually had a major influence on the book, if not outright writing most of it, without getting proper credit.
Can't say I took the time to dive into the topic beyond that though.
I found this - looks like he may have written a small portion after all: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein_authorship_question#:~:text=Based%20on%20a%20transcription%20of,to%20the%2072%2C000%20word%20novel.
Yup, that's exactly the source for my comment as well!
And for the first one, here's the related Reddit thread (Reddit, as we know, is a bastion of truth and complete accuracy): https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/171m8du/why_did_frankenstein_1931_credit_percy_b_shelley/
EDIT: Upon a more carfeful reading, this one focuses on the movie based on the novel, rather than the original novel.