Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men & Women (Vol. 1-5) (ePub)

Mary Shelley, born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on August 30, 1797, in London, England, emerged as an eminent literary figure of the early 19th century. The daughter of the radical political philosopher William Godwin and the pioneering feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley navigated her way through the literary world with a remarkable pedigree. Pioneering the science fiction genre, she is best known for her seminal work 'Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus' (1818), a profound narrative weaving themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. In addition to 'Frankenstein', Shelley's contribution to literature includes 'The Last Man' (1826), a foresighted apocalyptic work delving into future, society, and the human condition. Compelled by her profound insight and the era's ferment, Shelley penned the lesser-known yet significant 'Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men & Women' (1835-1839), a five-volume series offering biographical accounts of notable figures, which showcased her scholarly acumen and her reverence for intellectual legacy. Throughout her oeuvre, Shelley's literary style is reflective of her deep intellectual and emotional ponderings, marked by gothic and romantic elements intertwined with a fascination for science and philosophy. Her work not only illuminates her erudition but also perpetuates her mother's feminist legacy by underscoring the power and potential of women in the literary and intellectual arenas. Mary Shelley passed away on February 1, 1851, but her indelible impact continues to be felt in literature and beyond.