The Vault of Frankenstein traces the incredible history of how the nameless abomination in Shelley's classic novel became a pop culture icon. Removable replica memorabilia—Shelley's manuscript pages, movie posters, a playbill, and a photograph of Boris Karloff on set for the iconic 1931 portrayal of the character—add an interactive element to this amazing retrospective. Beginning with the story of how Mary Shelley first conceived of the novel (on a stormy night on the shores of Lake Geneva), The Vault of Frankensteintraces the Creature’s evolution from nameless literary character to international superstar, appearing in films, TV shows, comic books, and commercial merchandise. Frankenstein’s monster has been a hero and a villain, in both comedies and dramas. He hastap danced with Gene Wilder, held a daisy by a stream, and even appeared on cereal boxes. With special attention placed on the 1931 film that lifted Frankenstein’s monster to a new level of stardom, this book explores the many facets of this enduring—and often tragically misunderstood—character. Fantastic replica memorabilia—enclosed in an elegantly designed envelope inside the back cover—bring the history to even more vivid life as you hold it in your hands: The Bride of Frankenstein movie poster Pages from Mary Shelley's original manuscript of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus Photo of Boris Karloff on the set of Universal's Frankenstein Playbill for Presumption; or The Fate of Frankenstein, the first stage adaptation of Frankenstein Frankenstein movie poster Relive the Creature's greatest pop culture moments in this new retrospective that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's masterpiece.