In Search of Frankenstein

Wikipedia, that most unimpeachable of all sources, tells me that Radu Florescu's theories on the inspiration for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein remain "controversial." It doesn't say why, mind you: it merely alleges that a controversy exists. However, I've read this book a couple of times during the past twenty years and Florescu's research seems perfectly sound to me. Shelley did, after all, name her title character after the real-life Frankenstein family of Germany, so how could it possibly be controversial to suggest a link? (Florescu notes that Baron Frank von Frankenstein and Vlad Dracula were bitter enemies, which is especially interesting in relation to this book's companion volume In Search of Dracula, co-authored by Florescu and show more Raymond T. McNally.) Also named as a likely influence on Shelley's novel is the alchemist Johann Konrad Dippel, who was born at Castle Frankenstein and who claimed to have created his own version of the legendary elixir of life.

In Search of Frankenstein is a bit dry, earning three stars for pure readability but five for depth of research. The only problem I have with Florescu's work is his querulous insistence that Frankenstein should not be classified as true science fiction because Shelley neglected to explain how Victor Frankenstein actually brought his creature to life. Extensively illustrated with engravings, paintings, photos from the various Frankenstein films, etc. show less