Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus is an 1818 novel written by English author Mary Shelley. Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. However, this is not the specimen he imagines that it will be, but rather a hideous creature who is rejected by Victor and mankind in general.

Shelley started writing the story when she was 18, and the first edition was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818, when she was 20.

It was written originally as a short story when the poet Lord Byron suggested that each member of a group of friends write a ghostly tale to keep themselves entertained.

Mary's story was the undoubted winner.