The Original Monster: A talk on the First Edition of Frankenstein

Join the University of Sydney Library for a special talk celebrating our acquisition of a rare first edition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Published in 1818, this extraordinary novel pioneered science fiction and remains culturally significant over 200 years later.

Presented by Professor Vanessa Smith, a distinguished scholar on literature and culture spanning the late eighteenth to early twentieth centuries, this talk will explore the fascinating circumstances of the novel's creation and its cultural impact.

Following the talk, attendees will enjoy refreshments and the opportunity to view our unique first edition up close, which has provenance connections to both Jane Austen and Mary Wollstonecraft.

This free event is part of the University's 175th Anniversary celebrations, with the Library. Registration is essential as places are limited.

Date: Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1130, Level 1, Belinda Hutchinson Building (H70), University of Sydney

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About the University of Sydney Library collection

This copy of Frankenstein is now part of the Library's Rare Books and Special Collections, which consists of over 300,000 items. Read more about this Frankenstein acquisition on our website.

Other highlights from the collection include medieval manuscripts, artist books and recent literary highlights. Read more about other recent acquisitions here. Our Rare Books and Special Collections are open to students, academics and the public. Find out more about visiting us or send your queries to cultural.collections@usyd.libanswers.com.

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