From the lurid pulp stylings art of this book cover printed in 1953 this seems to be Frankenstein as if the cast was envisioned as poor Southern trash in a play written by Tennessee Williams. Scarcity of good copies of this printing demand high prices from collectors. The absurd juxtaposition of Gothic story with poorly chosen cover styling kept the book in the more adult sections of stores and out of the hands of the younger readers, probably hurting overall sales.
The art is proficient and on any other book would have been better served. There are certain design, layout and prop features of the pulp and paperback book eras that are more appealing than others a bonus for collectors is the element of the “Yellow Dress” worn by the Monster’s victim on the cover.
The original novel was written by Mary Shelley and due to gender politics of the era was published anonymously in 1818. From thematic over-exposure and desensitization of the subjects within the book over time Frankenstein is considered somewhat juvenile fare today. But for it’s time the story was shocking.
The story of Shelley’s life is fascinating, sad and full of intrigue and drama. Mary Shelley died at age 53 from what is believed to have been a brain tumor.
(via atompunk)
