What is a "Frankenbook"?

"Frankenbook" began as an internal code name for a unique project. We wanted to put together an online compilation of sample chapters from our best selling books. As we were describing the concept, we kept referring to the Frankenstein legend of putting together a bunch of parts to make a whole. From there, Frankenbook^TM took on a life of its own and we had to keep the name.

For those not aware of the Frankenstein legend, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly began writing this classic Frankenstein when she was 16 and it was published in 1818 when she was 20. This story has inspired plays, poems, parodies, novels and more than 40 movies.

The basics of the Frankenstein legend are:

The life of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with desire to "cheat" death and create a perfect creature from parts of the deceased. Dr. Frankenstein utilizes electricity to give this creature life. At that moment he realizes the unnaturalness of his creation and abandons the creature. The creature desires love and acceptance, and, when he does not receive any from Victor Frankenstein, seeks revenge, eventually killing all those whom Frankenstein loves.

Most of us in the United States, mistakenly call the creature "Frankenstein" and most often picture Boris Karloff's 1931 rendition of the creature as the true "Frankenstein".

It was with that picture in mind, electrodes coming out of the neck and all, that the Frankenbook concept was born.