desertcart.com: Frankenstein: A Norton Critical Edition: 9780393644029: Shelley, Mary, Hunter, J Paul: Books Review: A Classic That Reads Even Better in the Norton Critical Edition - I picked up the Norton Critical Edition of Frankenstein, and it’s easily one of the best versions of this novel I’ve read. The story itself is still powerful—Mary Shelley’s mix of horror, emotion, and philosophical questions holds up incredibly well—but this edition adds a lot of depth without getting in the way of the actual reading experience. The text is clean, readable, and presented the way Shelley intended, which makes revisiting the novel feel fresh even if you’ve read it before. What really makes this edition stand out is the supplemental material. The essays and historical documents give you a clearer sense of what Shelley was responding to when she wrote the book, and they add layers you don’t get from basic printings. You see how ideas about science, morality, responsibility, and even early debates about “playing God” shaped the story. The critical essays are varied enough that you get several perspectives without feeling overwhelmed. The annotations are another highlight. They’re helpful without being intrusive, and they fill in details that make certain scenes or references easier to appreciate. You can read straight through without checking the notes, or you can take your time and explore the background—either way, it enhances the experience instead of breaking the flow. Overall, this is a five-star edition of a five-star classic. If you want Frankenstein in a format that’s both enjoyable to read and rich with context, the Norton Critical Edition is absolutely worth having on your shelf. Ready whenever you are for the next item. Review: OG Reference for OG Text - Explanatory notes are concise but helpful. Norton Critical editions are my favorites.
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,592 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #2 in British & Irish Literary Criticism (Books) #2 in Gothic & Romantic Literary Criticism (Books) #203 in Classic Literature & Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 252 Reviews |
T**M
A Classic That Reads Even Better in the Norton Critical Edition
I picked up the Norton Critical Edition of Frankenstein, and it’s easily one of the best versions of this novel I’ve read. The story itself is still powerful—Mary Shelley’s mix of horror, emotion, and philosophical questions holds up incredibly well—but this edition adds a lot of depth without getting in the way of the actual reading experience. The text is clean, readable, and presented the way Shelley intended, which makes revisiting the novel feel fresh even if you’ve read it before. What really makes this edition stand out is the supplemental material. The essays and historical documents give you a clearer sense of what Shelley was responding to when she wrote the book, and they add layers you don’t get from basic printings. You see how ideas about science, morality, responsibility, and even early debates about “playing God” shaped the story. The critical essays are varied enough that you get several perspectives without feeling overwhelmed. The annotations are another highlight. They’re helpful without being intrusive, and they fill in details that make certain scenes or references easier to appreciate. You can read straight through without checking the notes, or you can take your time and explore the background—either way, it enhances the experience instead of breaking the flow. Overall, this is a five-star edition of a five-star classic. If you want Frankenstein in a format that’s both enjoyable to read and rich with context, the Norton Critical Edition is absolutely worth having on your shelf. Ready whenever you are for the next item.
A**R
OG Reference for OG Text
Explanatory notes are concise but helpful. Norton Critical editions are my favorites.
J**N
Excellent condition and price
Needed for a class I took. Priced well, boom in excellent condition and waaaaayy cheaper than bookstore on campus@
G**G
Don't know why I waited this long
I have never read Frankenstein, but saw or heard parts of the story before, since I have an idea of what it is about generally. However the book is not what I expected, and it is a slow burn reader.....stick with it. The language is also different to how we speak now, but the good thing about this edition is the notes that helps to understand.
Z**N
The Definitive Edition for Serious Readers and Students
This Norton Critical Edition of Frankenstein is a must-have for anyone studying or deeply interested in Mary Shelley's classic. The text is well-annotated and easy to follow, and the supplementary materials are incredibly valuable—offering historical context, critical essays, and interpretations that really enrich your understanding of the novel. Whether you're reading it for class or personal interest, this edition gives you everything you need to fully appreciate the themes, structure, and lasting impact of Frankenstein. Highly recommended!
B**R
Frankenstein
Needed it for class, came in great shape! Thank you!
E**A
My favorite book
One of my most favorite books ever never ceases to amaze me
G**.
Amazing Edition!
Fantastic novel; I read this for the first time for a college class. I loved every second of this edition; the essays and articles provided in the book are also great and eye-opening. There are so many ways to interpret the Creature, and there are authors with amazing arguments comparing the Creature to modern-day issues.
TrustPilot
2 周前
2 周前
