Mary Shelley, author of the widely known and acclaimed gothic novel Frankenstein, was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on August 30, 1797 in London, England. Following the death of her mother shortly after she was born, Shelley was raised by her father, William Godwin. Unlike most women at the time, Shelley was provided with an education by her father, who encouraged her studies and love of literature. In 1914, Shelley began a relationship with married Percy Shelley. After facing debt and the loss of their daughter, the two married shortly after the suicide of Percy’s first wife.

The most famous story of Shelley’s life comes from the origins of her novel, Frankenstein. On a trip to Geneva with Percy and poet Lord Byron, the group began to write ghost stories. Shelley was the only one to finish her story, which became what was known as Frankenstein.

When published, Shelley did not receive much acclaim, with many critics disgusted by the themes of the novel. However, as the novel grew in popularity, many critics began to shift their views. Shelley was one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre, and many credit her with the success of sci-fi novels.

In her final years, Shelley was afflicted with many illnesses, including headaches, paralysis, and ultimately a diagnosis of a brain tumor. On February 1, 1851, Shelley passed away at 53 years old and was buried near the home of her son, Percy Florence.