Thankenstein.

Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley

August 30, 1797 -- February 1, 1851

A remarkable, complex and important figure.

Among her other accomplishments, we can surely agree here that 

the Horror and Hallowe'en cultures would not be what they are

but for her creations -- 

creations which became not only icons, but archetypes.

Chevalier's frontispiece from the 1831 edition, considered the definitive printing.

Man-made monsters, mad scientists playing God, neglecting what

we create and what we are given, the agonies and mysteries 

of birth, life, death, sex, vengeance, sin not just coming 

home to roost but pursuing the sinner across the world...

and above all, the tough simplicity of personal responsibility.

Not a bad little tale for an 18 year old girl.

Happy birthday.

(meltybeads.)