Mary Shelley: podcast appearances and interviews

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist best known for her gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, published in 1818, which is considered an early example of science fiction. She also played a significant role in editing and promoting the works of her husband, the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, to philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and she was raised by her father, who provided her with a broad informal education and encouraged her adherence to his political ideas. Shelley was involved in a romantic relationship with Percy Shelley, a follower of her father, beginning in 1814, which led to her leaving her family and traveling across Europe with Percy and her stepsister, Claire Clairmont. The couple faced social ostracism, financial difficulties, and the death of their first child. Their summer with Lord Byron and John William Polidori near Geneva in 1816 inspired Shelley to conceive the idea for her novel Frankenstein. The Shelleys spent time in Italy, where they experienced personal tragedy including the loss of two children and Percy Shelley's death in a sailing accident in 1822. Following her husband's death, Shelley returned to England and dedicated herself to raising her son and pursuing her career as an author. Over her lifetime, she published several novels, including Valperga, Perkin Warbeck, The Last Man, Lodore, and Falkner, and wrote lesser-known works such as a travel book and biographical articles. Her writings often reflected political radicalism and emphasized cooperation and sympathy, particularly within the family, as means for social reform.