Book Review: Classics Reimagined, Frankenstein
By: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Illustrated by: David Plunkert
Illustrated by: David Plunkert
Published By: Rockport Publishers
Publication Date: January 16, 2018
Page Count: 246
Page Count: 246
Source: eARC kindly provided by publisher
Classics - Horror - Science Fiction
2018 is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's science-fiction horror classic, Frankenstein! The original Frankenstein is quite different from how the story has come down into popular culture. Modern adaptations and homages tend to focus on the scariness of the monster. The original does that as well as provide a brooding and beautifully written exploration of the moral boundaries of science and personal responsibility.
In keeping with my spooky reading theme for October, and in honor of the anniversary, I decided to take a look at the Classics Reimagined edition of Frankenstein.
Though I greatly enjoyed the unillustrated story when I read it the first time, the Classics Reimagined edition of Frankenstein improves upon the original for the modern reader -- to the point where I actually rate this edition higher than the original. I imagine when the book was first published in the early 19th century, it was considered more disturbing than we think it now. David Plunkert's dark, 21st century Gothic illustrations put that lost edginess back into the reading experience.
Plunkert's illustrations mix 19th century style drawings with muted watercolors and geometrics. He eerily combines these with some hand drawn details. Illustrations based on medical diagrams distorted by odd backgrounds and profile-trimmed portraits that deform the dimensions of the human face add to the reader's sense of unease. Plunkert's work makes the book back into the gloriously unsettling masterpiece that it was before modern readers got spoiled by more graphic horror movies and books.
If you don't already own a copy of Frankenstein (and really even if you do), the Classics Reimagined edition illustrated by David Plunkert is the one you want!
Summary:
With his detailed and evocative imagery, renowned artist David Plunkert takes readers on a dark journey into the greatest novel in the monster genre, Frankenstein.
Celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of Mary Shelley's original 1818 version, Rockport Publisher's Classics Reimagined series presents this beautiful deluxe edition. The 248-page hardcover book features an 8 page vellum insert detailing the doctor's designs, and a stunning, full bleed, double gatefold image of the monster. Finished with printed endpapers and painted book block, this masterpiece volume is perfect for book lovers and art lovers alike.
The suspense and horror of Dr. Frankenstein reanimating assembled body parts, the monster spying on an unknowing family, and the creature's revenge on his maker take on whole new meaning when accompanied by Plunkert's mystical, layered interpretations.
The Classics Reimagined series is a library of stunning collector's editions of unabridged classic novels illustrated by contemporary artists from around the world. Each artist offers his or her own unique, visual interpretation of the most well-loved, widely read, and avidly collected literature from renowned authors.
In keeping with my spooky reading theme for October, and in honor of the anniversary, I decided to take a look at the Classics Reimagined edition of Frankenstein.
Though I greatly enjoyed the unillustrated story when I read it the first time, the Classics Reimagined edition of Frankenstein improves upon the original for the modern reader -- to the point where I actually rate this edition higher than the original. I imagine when the book was first published in the early 19th century, it was considered more disturbing than we think it now. David Plunkert's dark, 21st century Gothic illustrations put that lost edginess back into the reading experience.
Plunkert's illustrations mix 19th century style drawings with muted watercolors and geometrics. He eerily combines these with some hand drawn details. Illustrations based on medical diagrams distorted by odd backgrounds and profile-trimmed portraits that deform the dimensions of the human face add to the reader's sense of unease. Plunkert's work makes the book back into the gloriously unsettling masterpiece that it was before modern readers got spoiled by more graphic horror movies and books.
If you don't already own a copy of Frankenstein (and really even if you do), the Classics Reimagined edition illustrated by David Plunkert is the one you want!
Summary:
With his detailed and evocative imagery, renowned artist David Plunkert takes readers on a dark journey into the greatest novel in the monster genre, Frankenstein.
Celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of Mary Shelley's original 1818 version, Rockport Publisher's Classics Reimagined series presents this beautiful deluxe edition. The 248-page hardcover book features an 8 page vellum insert detailing the doctor's designs, and a stunning, full bleed, double gatefold image of the monster. Finished with printed endpapers and painted book block, this masterpiece volume is perfect for book lovers and art lovers alike.
The suspense and horror of Dr. Frankenstein reanimating assembled body parts, the monster spying on an unknowing family, and the creature's revenge on his maker take on whole new meaning when accompanied by Plunkert's mystical, layered interpretations.
The Classics Reimagined series is a library of stunning collector's editions of unabridged classic novels illustrated by contemporary artists from around the world. Each artist offers his or her own unique, visual interpretation of the most well-loved, widely read, and avidly collected literature from renowned authors.
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