An ambitious scientist, a quasi-human creation, murder, obsession, and destruction. The story of Frankenstein is world-renowned, a tale made from the stuff of nightmares that has become one of the most prominent literary works of all time, and a narrative apropos of the Halloween season.

As a novel, its importance lies in its intellectual merit and thematic explorations. It’s not only a spooky story, but also an investigation into the consequences of trying to play God and a rumination on how monsters are made. But these days, it’s not just the story that has become legend. This past September, a first edition of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece set a new world record for a printed work by a woman when it was auctioned off at Christie’s. The book, printed in 1818, sold for a stunning $1.17 million, smashing the record that was previously held by a first edition of Jane Austen’s Emma.

The lot estimate was between $200,000-$300,000, and this sale not only surpassed that, but it also trounced it five times over, a nice surprise for the auction house. “We knew it was special,” explains Heather Weintraub, a specialist in Christie’s Books and Manuscripts department, “but part of the beauty and excitement of auction is that you never know exactly what will happen!”

The 2021 Christie’s Auction of Frankenstein

For collectors, a first edition of a preeminent literary work is an incredibly attractive acquisition. Even rarer is one in such fine condition. What is special about this book is the preservation of its original boards, the covers that protect each volume. “The first edition in its original boards is incredibly fragile and as a result very scarce, so a copy like this, particularly in fine condition, is highly desirable to collectors.” It also doesn’t hurt that the market for rare books and manuscripts is strong at this moment. In 2020, a folio of Shakespeare’s works sold at auction for $10 million, and this past September, a presentation copy of James Joyce’s Dubliners fetched $400,000.

Why Mary Shelley Wrote Frankenstein

The first edition was published by Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, a London publishing house that printed 500 copies. Shelley chose to publish the work anonymously, not claiming the work as her own until four years later. In 1831, the revised edition — and the version known by most today — was published. Of those first 500 copies, no one can be sure how many others survive. Still, regardless of that total, this item maintains its value. “This is the finest copy extant in private hands,” says Weintraub.

Yet no matter how much the physical item yields at auction, it is the words on the page that truly matter. Hopefully, its new owner will heed its message.

Christie’s (20 Rockefeller Plaza) holds more than 450 auctions every year, spanning across fine art, wine, jewelry, furniture, fashion, collectibles, and memorabilia.