Frankenstein | 1931, fine first photoplay edition of Mary Shelley's masterpiece.

The rare first photoplay edition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published to coincide with Universal’s legendary 1931 film starring Boris Karloff.

This is the finest example I have encountered, complete with the all-too-rare dust jacket—here in near-fine condition. A remarkable survivor, as most copies are heavily worn. The jacket itself is widely regarded as one of the most iconic in the history of book design.

Description & Condition

• First photoplay edition, first printing

• Original publisher’s red cloth, near-fine to fine, with deep, unfaded color and a pristine green topstain

• Internally immaculate, crisp pages, and all eight photo illustrations present and in fine condition

• The dust jacket is easily the best on the market, with incredibly vibrant colors—an exceptional example

A rare opportunity to acquire Frankenstein in an almost unheard-of state of preservation.

Published by Grosset & Dunlap, 1931.