10 Classic Pieces Of Literature Perfect For Halloween

6. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

When it comes to iconic Halloween monsters we certainly can't leave out the compilation of dead body parts known as Frankenstein's monster. Arguably even more popular than Count Dracula himself, the story of Frankenstein has been frightening readers for at least two centuries. It's said that Mary Shelley dreamt up the idea following a night of discussion with fellow friends and poets including husband Percy Byshhe Shelley and Lord George Byron. A scientist - that many would describe only as mad - gathers various limbs and other body parts from corpses and sews them together intent on bringing the creation to life. Using a form of galvanism Dr. Frankenstein succeeds but it seems he has created a monster. The story is both Gothic and incredibly romantic with a great deal of subtext about the horrors of humankind.

The most popular adaptations were the original black and white films but the legend lasted much longer and aspects of the story have been recreated in many popular films including the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The character of Frankenstein's monster has gone on to be adapted into popular television shows such as The Munsters and The Addams Family while the general plot was parodied in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dark Shadows, and more. A unique and horrifyingly surreal film titled "Gothic" was released in 1986 which details the events leading up to Shelley's dream. This Halloween you could always pull out the old film or if you enjoy mixing your horror with your intellectual pursuits definitely pick up a copy of Mary Shelley's classic novel.