Frankenstein's Image

Frankenstein's Image

Illustration

Lynd Ward, the illustrator of this particular image, was an American wood carver and writer. He focused on wordless novels and used wood engravings to illustrate them. His black and white wood carvings were an excellent addition to the first ever modern horror and science fiction novel to exemplify the monster, who’s moods are frequently fluctuating.

This image shows Victor Frankenstein falling in fear in front of his monster. The illustration represents Victor feeling like he is losing control of the monster that he created. In this scene, Victor says, “I perceived, as the shape came nearer, (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created. I trembled with rage and horror, resolving to wait his approach, and then close with him in mortal combat.” This illustration, along with the first illustrated edition continues to create an image for the monster.

Mystique King

Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, et al. The Annotated Frankenstein. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2012.

1934

Lynd Ward

Lynd Ward

Textbook illustration

English