TALK: Making The Monster! Dr Kathryn Harkup

Wednesday 19 November | 18:30-19:30


Old Aberdeen Panel event / author reading Adults, Children, Teens

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Frankenstein - Science Fiction or Science Fact?! Writer and Science Communicator, Dr Kathryn Harkup explores the science behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

As part of the Fear and Fascination exhibition programme, University Collections is delighted to welcome Dr Kathryn Harkup as guest speaker for this year's Book Week Scotland.

About the Talk: Is there any science fact behind the science fiction of Mary Shelley's Gothic novel Frankenstein? And how might a real-life Victor Frankenstein have gone about creating his monster?

The century before its publication saw huge advances in our understanding of science, particularly electricity and physiology. Sensational science demonstrations caught the imagination of the general public, and newspapers were full of lurid tales of murderers and resurrectionists.

From stories of artificial life and experimental surgery, to 'monsters' and electrical experiments on human cadavers, Kathryn Harkup examines the science and scientists that influenced Shelley and inspired her most famous creation.

Venue information

University of Aberdeen

Bedford Road

AB24 3AA

Includes closed captions.

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