Frankenstein Day
If you’re in the mood for a classic horror story or happen to be a monster fan, August 30 is your lucky day! Not to be confused with Frankenstein Friday or National Frankenstein Day, Frankenstein Day is annual “howliday” that celebrates the life of one of the world’s best known authors, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.
Shelley was born on August 30, 1797. Her mother died soon after her birth and her father eventually remarried. With a new cruel step-mother and an emotionally distant father, she met poet Percy Shelley in 1812 and eloped with him a few years later. Because he was still legally married, the couple did not marry until Shelley’s wife committed suicide in 1816. The couple went on to have several children.
While the couple did enjoy some success, their lives were also plagued with sorrow. Three of their four children died at a young age and Mary also suffered a miscarriage. After six years of marriage, her beloved husband drowned while sailing before his 30th birthday in 1822. Mary Shelley died in London in 1851.
Although Mary Shelley went on to write other novels, she is best known for one book in particular. Published in 1818, "Frankenstein" remains of the most famous books ever published and one of the best-selling books written by a female author. The epic novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and his ultimate creation. Over the years, the book has inspired numerous stage and film adaptations.
How to Celebrate Frankenstein Day
Re-read "Frankenstein" in free e-book form.
Watch the classic 1932 horror film, Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff and Colin Clive.
The 1935 film, Bride of Frankenstein, also stars Boris Karloff and Colin Clive.
This 1994 version of Frankenstein stars Robert De Niro, Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh.
In case you’ve never seen it, watch the 1974 comedy sci-fi film, Young Frankenstein, directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn.
Happy Frankenstein Day! And speaking of holidays, August 30 is also National Holistic Pet Day, National Toasted Marshmallow Day and National Beach Day.