Mary Shelley (1797-1851) is best known for her pioneering debut novel “Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus”, one of the most fascinating and enduring works of fiction in the western canon. While Shelley’s masterwork of science-fiction horror has found its way into just about every aspect of popular culture since its publication in 1818, the rest of Shelley’s considerable literary career remains relatively unknown. This course will introduce students to the full breadth of Shelley’s writings, from “Frankenstein” itself to her novels “Mathilda” (1819), “Valperga” (1823), “The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck” (1830), “Lodore” (1835), “Falkner” (1837), and her remarkable and prescient future dystopian novel “The Last Man” (1826), which tells of a disease that ravages Europe in the 21st century. Throughout, we will also touch on aspects of Shelley’s biography, short stories, and her key role in securing her husband Percy Shelley’s legacy by editing his posthumous poems (1839).
Dr. Jared McGeough (PhD, Western University) has taught a variety of courses in Canadian, Romantic, Victorian, and Edwardian literature at Concordia (Montreal), the University of Regina, and ELLA. Current projects include editing digital editions of 19th-century author William Godwin’s educational books for children, and a biography of his father, former NHL referee Mick McGeough.
