Mary Shelley

mary shelley. book gifts

Mary Shelley, the renowned author of Frankenstein, was only 18 years old when she began writing the novel, which was first published in 1818. As the daughter of pioneering feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and philosopher William Godwin, Shelley grew up in a household that valued intellectual achievement and progressive ideas. In an era when female authors were often dismissed or overlooked, Shelley's success was groundbreaking. Frankenstein, one of the earliest science fiction masterpieces, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from body parts, only to be horrified by the creature's appearance. As the creature seeks acceptance and understanding, Shelley's novel explores deep themes of creation, responsibility, isolation, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Her work reflects her own personal struggles with loss and grief, and her exploration of human hubris and scientific boundaries transcends the limitations placed on women in her time. As a female author, Mary Shelley not only challenged the literary conventions of her era but also left an indelible mark on literature, influencing countless adaptations and sparking timeless conversations about ethics, creation, and humanity.

Celebrate the legacy of Mary Shelley with our Frankenstein Wax Melt Collection—a gothic tribute for book lovers and fans of classic literature. Each wax melt is made from rapeseed and coconut wax and features striking Frankenstein quotes embedded in the design, perfect for adding a literary touch to any cosy reading space.

Ideal for book gifts, gothic fiction fans, and those who adore literary wax melts, this collection brings Shelley's haunting masterpiece to life in a unique, book-inspired way. A must-have for lovers of Frankenstein, literary quotes, and timeless storytelling.

Our Mary Shelley collections

Mary Shelley - Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a gothic novel that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from dead matter....

Explore Frankenstein

Our Mary Shelley products

We take the time to craft our exclusive custom products with carefully designed moulds for our lit lovers. We use a rapeseed and coconut wax blend to enhance our sustainability and scent throw and all of our wax products are made with only the highest quality, cruelty-free fragrance oils and mica powders that are obtained from pure natural minerals and ores to give a beautiful shimmer. You can read more about our ingredients on our wax melt products.

Mary Shelley Facts and FAQs

Who was Mary Shelley?

Mary Shelley was a 19th-century English novelist, essayist, and editor, best known for writing Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Born in 1797 to philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, she was immersed in radical ideas from an early age. Her most famous novel, written when she was just 18, helped launch the genre of science fiction and remains a cornerstone of Gothic literature.

When was Mary Shelley born?

Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, in London. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, died shortly after childbirth, and she was raised by her father, the political philosopher William Godwin. Her unconventional upbringing fostered a deep love of books, imagination, and intellectual debate.

Where did Mary Shelley live?

Shelley lived in various parts of England and Europe throughout her life. She spent formative years in London, Bath, and Scotland, and later lived in France, Switzerland, and Italy while traveling with Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron. These travels and their tragedies — including the deaths of multiple children — deeply shaped her worldview and her writing.

How did Mary Shelley die?

Mary Shelley died on February 1, 1851, at the age of 53, likely from a brain tumor. She had suffered from headaches and weakness for several years prior. Her son, Percy Florence Shelley, buried her alongside her parents and husband in Bournemouth, England. Despite her many hardships, she remained an active writer, editor, and intellectual throughout her life.

What is Mary Shelley famous for?

Mary Shelley is most famous for Frankenstein, a novel that explores themes of ambition, creation, isolation, and responsibility. The story of Victor Frankenstein and his unnamed creature raises enduring questions about science, ethics, and what it means to be human. Shelley’s blend of Gothic horror and philosophical inquiry helped establish the genre of science fiction long before it had a name.

Is Mary Shelley’s work in the public domain?

Yes. All of Mary Shelley’s works, including Frankenstein, are in the public domain. This means they can be freely quoted, shared, adapted, and reimagined — which is why her stories appear widely in literature, film, theatre, and creative gifts.

What are some famous quotes by Mary Shelley?

Mary Shelley’s writing is poetic, powerful, and often tragic. Notable quotes include:
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”
“I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel.”
These lines, mostly from Frankenstein, reveal her psychological insight and emotional intensity.

Do you sell Mary Shelley-themed gifts?

Yes! Our Mary Shelley collection includes wax melts and bookmarks inspired by Frankenstein and its unforgettable themes. Crafted for fans of Gothic fiction, philosophy, and classic literature, our hand-poured products channel the atmosphere and emotion of Shelley’s groundbreaking work.

Where is Mary Shelley buried?

Mary Shelley is buried in St. Peter’s Churchyard in Bournemouth, England, alongside the remains of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and her parents. Though her life was marked by loss, her grave has become a site of literary pilgrimage, honoring a writer whose work continues to inspire readers and thinkers alike.

What inspired Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein?

Shelley was inspired to write Frankenstein during the summer of 1816, known as 'the year without a summer', while staying at Lake Geneva with Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and others. A ghost story challenge led to the idea of a scientist who creates life and is horrified by what he has made. Her personal experiences with death, science, and philosophy also influenced the novel’s themes of grief, identity, and ethical responsibility.