<Introduction>
<The Publishers of the Standard Novels, in selecting
"Frankenstein" for one of their series, expressed a wish that I
should furnish them with some account of the origin of the story.
I am the more willing to comply, because I shall thus give a
general answer to the question, so frequently asked me -- "How I,
then a young girl, came to think of, and to dilate upon, so very
hideous an idea?" It is true that I am very averse to bringing
myself forward in print; but as my account will only appear as an
appendage to a former production, and as it will be confined to
such topics as have connection with my authorship alone, I can
scarcely accuse myself of a personal intrusion.>
