Transformation

By: Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Mark Rice-Oxley

Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin was born on the 30th August 1797 in Somers Town, London.

Her mother, the famous feminist philosopher, educator, and writer Mary Wollstonecraft died when Mary was only 11 days old and she was raised by her father, the philosopher, novelist, journalist, and perpetually in debt, William Godwin.

Though Mary received little formal education her father taught her a broad range of subjects and added to her bright and curious personality she easily absorbed a good and broad education.

In July 1814, after conducting a secret affair with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who had earlier promised to pay off yet another round of her father’s business debts, the pair eloped to France. Within two months, penniless and pregnant they returned to England.

Her husbands’ affairs caused her frequent heartbreak but despite all the travails, including the loss of her own child, Shelley’s recent inheritance gave them the opportunity to journey again to Europe.

It was here that ‘Frankenstein’ was born and established Mary’s own name in literature.

Her life hereafter was plagued with loss; the death of two further children and then her husband in a boating accident. Her writing continued through novels, travel pieces and biographies. Her short stories, some based in Europe, tackle difficult situations and genres as well the obstacles that women were burdened with in society. Her editorship of her late husband’s poetry was also widely praised.

Mary’s radical politics continued to guide her journey throughout her life but, by 1840, illness had begun to haunt her years, depriving her of energy and vigour.

Mary Shelley died on the 1st February 1851, at Chester Square, London of a suspected brain tumour. She was 53.

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