Review: Frankenstein: The 200th Anniversary Edition by Mary Shelley and Illustrated by David Plunkert

Frankenstein: The 200th Anniversary Edition (Classics Reimagined)
Author: Mary Shelley
Illustrator: David Plunkert
Genre: Classics/Horror
Release Date: January 16, 2018
Publisher: Rockport Publishers

Description:

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. 

 

Classics Reimagined: Frankenstein is the perfect way to celebrate this classic horror story's 200th anniversary. I'm not going to review the novel itself - because if you don't already know the story, then you've been hiding under a rock somewhere. It's definitely worth a read if you have never read it before and I highly recommend that you do. What makes this book special and sets it apart from every other edition out there are the illustrations. I'm not even sure what to say about them - they sort of defy labels and definition. They are magnificent, macabre, brilliant, unique, and a perfect fit for the book. I've never seen any of the illustrator's other art before, so this was a new experience for me. I have to admit that even though these illustrations were dark and morbid, I absolutely loved them and have gone through the novel several times now just to look at the artwork. This is definitely a book for a certain type of person - one who enjoys horror and accompanying dark art. It's morbid and strangely beautiful. It's certainly not for everyone, but no artwork ever is. I very highly recommend this edition to fans of the illustrator, horror fans, and those who like darkly original artwork.

I've included some of the artwork in the book below as examples.