Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
- Born:
- August 30, 1797, London, England
- Died:
- February 1, 1851, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Short Story Writer, Dramatist, Essayist, Biographer, Travel Writer
Early Life and Education
- Daughter of feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft and philosopher William Godwin.
- Largely self-educated, benefiting from the intellectual environment of her father's home.
- Received instruction from notable figures in her father's circle.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing seriously in her late teens.
- Achieved significant literary success with her novels and short stories.
- Edited and promoted the works of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, after his death.
- Travelled extensively in Europe and wrote travel narratives based on her experiences.
- One of the most prominent female writers of the Romantic era.
Notable Works
- Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)
- Mathilda (1819)
- Valperga (1823)
- The Last Man (1826)
- Perkin Warbeck (1830)
- Lodore (1835)
- Falkner (1837)
Legacy and Impact
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's enduring legacy rests primarily on Frankenstein, a seminal work of Gothic and science fiction that continues to be widely read and adapted. Her other works, though less well-known, contribute to a broader understanding of her intellectual and artistic concerns, solidifying her place as a significant figure in English literature.