Brian Aldiss's engagement with Mary Shelley's seminal work Frankenstein extends beyond simple homage, weaving a complex tapestry that revisits and expands upon its themes. While simultaneously composing his novel Frankenstein Unbound, Aldiss also penned Billion Year Spree—a comprehensive history of science fiction published in 1973. Through these works, Aldiss delves into the anxieties surrounding scientific progress and societal disintegration, themes that Shelley so astutely introduced in her narrative.

The Origins of Science Fiction

In Billion Year Spree, Aldiss positions Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as the first science-fiction novel, labeling it "the origin of the species." He characterizes the text as "the first great myth of the industrial age," highlighting its premonitory depiction of mankind's complicated relationship with scientific advancements. Aldiss identifies the novel's narrative as a reflection on the "two-faced triumphs of scientific progress" and its potential to corrupt, leading to a broader societal collapse. This thematic exploration forms the bedrock upon which Aldiss constructs Frankenstein Unbound, his own narrative laden with similar existential unease.

Structuring the Narrative

Frankenstein Unbound echoes the structural intricacies of Shelley's original, beginning as an epistolary narrative before shifting into a first-person perspective, mirroring Frankenstein's narrative style. The protagonist, Joe Bodenland, offers critical analyses of Mary Shelley, her social environment, and the fictional world she created. Through interactions with Shelley, Bodenland gains insights into the context and motivations behind her work while Victor Frankenstein himself recounts pivotal events, such as the monster's abandonment and consequential actions.

Intertextual Transformations

While initially adhering to Shelley's storyline, Aldiss's narrative diverges at the point where Victor Frankenstein contemplates creating a mate for his monster. Here, Bodenland's interference shifts the trajectory, allowing Aldiss the creative liberty to reshape events. Although Joe laments that his recollection of the novel is marred by its cinematic adaptations, Aldiss consciously integrates elements from the James Whale films, incorporating details like Baron Frankenstein's title and the iconic imagery of a torch-bearing mob.

A Historical Tapestry

Frankenstein Unbound serves not only as a work of science fiction but also as a historical novel, meticulously reconstructing the year 1816 before altering it with temporal and spatial disruptions. The juxtaposition of the Romantic era with the futuristic world of 2020 underscores Aldiss's keen historical sensibility. His portrayal of the past is not merely backdrop; it is integral to understanding the evolution of science and culture.

Beyond Sequel: An Alternate Universe

Unlike the many lackluster literary continuations of Shelley's novel, Aldiss does not seek to merely extend the narrative with a sequel. Instead, he crafts an alternate-universe rendition that deepens the examination of Shelley's original themes. His approach allows for a profound exploration of the issues that Frankenstein first raised, reaffirming Aldiss's status as a luminary in the realm of science-fiction literature.