Published in 1818, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus had a profound impact on the Gothic horror and science fiction genres. Book’s author, Mary Shelley, was heavily inspired by the scientific development of her time, when huge advances in our understanding of the natural sciences took place and, sensational science demonstrations caught the imagination of the general public.

During the 7th Silesian Science Festival Katowice (7. Śląski Festiwal Nauki Katowice), we had the opportunity to meet Dr Kathryn Harkup, a chemist, writer, and science communicator. In her book Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Przepis na potwora. Jak z odkryć naukowych narodził się Frankenstein) she explores the scientific background behind Shelley's book. Is Frankenstein a story about a monster or an evil scientist? Or about the nature of humanity? And which scientists influenced Shelley?

Feel free to explore the topic with Agnieszka Barbach.

Kathryn Harkup also wrote books about technology in James Bond stories, potions in Agata Christie’s crime novels, and Shakespearean deaths.