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.
