Tag: Classic Literature

The Monster Lives On: Frankenstein’s Legacy and Guillermo del Toro’s New Film

Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein will have a limited theater release starting October 17. Photo: TV Insider

Frankenstein: From Mary Shelley’s Gothic Classic to Guillermo del Toro’s New Film

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is an 1818 Gothic novel written by English author Mary Shelley. At just 18 years old, Shelley began the story that would become one of the most enduring works of literature. The first edition was published anonymously in London in 1818 when she was only 20, with her name appearing for the first time in the second edition, published in Paris in 1821.

The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature through an unorthodox experiment—assembling it from different body parts. What begins as an ambitious pursuit of knowledge quickly becomes a haunting tale of responsibility, isolation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. (Wikipedia/Barnes & Noble, 2025)

The Lasting Appeal of Frankenstein

For over two centuries, readers have been captivated by the dark atmosphere and moral questions at the heart of Shelley’s masterpiece. Themes of creator vs. creation, knowledge vs. consequence, and the search for humanity make Frankenstein a timeless story.

Its influence spans both Gothic and science fiction traditions, inspiring countless adaptations—from early silent films to Universal’s iconic monster movies, and modern reimaginings that explore empathy, fear, and morality in new ways.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025)

The fascination with Frankenstein continues today with acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation. His 2025 American Gothic science fiction film is based directly on Mary Shelley’s original novel and features a star-studded cast:

  • Oscar Isaac
  • Jacob Elordi
  • Mia Goth
  • Felix Kammerer
  • Lars Mikkelsen
  • David Bradley
  • Lauren Collins
  • Charles Dance
  • Christoph Waltz

The film had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. It is set for a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, followed by a global Netflix release on November 7, 2025. (IMDb, 2025)

A Tale That Endures

At its core, Frankenstein is the story of a brilliant but egotistical scientist who dares to play God—only to unleash a tragic chain of events. The novel’s haunting exploration of ambition and its consequences continues to resonate, making it as relevant in 2025 as it was in 1818.

With del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation, a new generation of audiences will experience the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece—proof that Frankenstein is far more than just a monster story.

Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book to series adaptation: ‘Shōgun’ by James Clavell

‘Shōgun’ by James Clavell has been adapted into a 10 episode series for FX. Photo: Amazon

If you are a fan of historical drama, this new series is worth checking out. Shōgun is airing on FX and streaming on Hulu and is based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell.

James Clavell was a bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction best known for this epic Asian Saga novels. The son of a Royal Navy family, he was educated in Portsmouth. The Japanese captured him at the Fall of Singapore when he was a young artillery officer. It was on this experience that his bestselling novel “King Rat” was based. He maintained this oriental interest in his other great works: “Tai-Pan,” “Shōgun ,” “Noble House,” and “Gai Jin.” “Shōgun ” is the best selling classic epic novel of feudal Japan that captured the heart of a culture and the imagination of the world. It was previously adapted into a 1980 limited series and has now been adapted to television. The series premiered with the first two episodes on February 27 on Hulu and FX with new episodes of the 10-episode series then releasing weekly. (Amazon, 2024)

“Shōgun ” – After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen–Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is seventeenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.

Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, “Shōgun” is a critically acclaimed powerhouse. The heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action combines seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the best-selling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, “Shōgun” provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shōgun.

New book release: ‘The Key on Edge’ by Michael J Piatt

‘The Key on Edge’ is the thrilling new novel by Michael J. Piatt. Photo: Amazon

Abstract topics such as creativity, creative thinking, and innovation can sometimes be difficult to comprehend. This is why it is so refreshing when experts in those fields feel the need to share their knowledge with the general public, especially young readers. Today’s new book release is by Michael J. Piatt, whose profession as an inventor spans multiple decades and strongly believes that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. In “The Key on Edge,” mystical images from the past are intertwined with present-day realities that are just too coincidental to be real—or are they? A small town, a gang of friends, the courage to discover, and too many mysterious coincidences to be real, make this exciting adventure come to life for all who dare. The faceted edges of the key are destined to heighten individual creativity throughout this work. As you enter the world of the Sharefield Gang you do so at your own risk. Discovery is not for the faint of heart! It may be geared towards young readers, but even adults can learn from the self-help instructional material offered within the pages of this gripping narrative.

Michael J. Piatt, is a seasoned technologist and prolific inventor, now turned author. He has made creativity a lifestyle and is the author of over 130 US patents. He wants to share lessons learned with the younger generation, knowing that they will face problems that do not yet exist. He has a passion for fostering creativity in youthful minds. Through his books, he aspires to make a positive impact by sharing decades of life lessons in the art of innovation. His new book “The Key on Edge” combines his heartfelt enthusiasm for storytelling with his dedication to encouraging creative potential. It is Illustrated by Juan Giraldo. All profits from this book go to educational charities. The book is available on Amazon, select Barnes and Noble stores, and can be ordered from most bookstores. (Michael J. Piatt, 2023)

“The world around us is evolving faster than ever, driven by a cascade of new technologies. Maybe I can help in a small way to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to flourish in this dynamic landscape.” – Michael J. Piatt

More on the author: LinkedIn Instagram

“The Key on Edge” This YA mystery is about a group of six 9th grade students in a small town. Their school play comes to life, and all sorts of other mysterious things start to happen as they climb Majestic Mountain, work in an old mansion, play an antique computer game, and save their beloved dog Grand Paw. Throughout the book, they work together to creatively solve problems and get out of jams, until they discover just who wrote the script to that play. The book teaches the creative thinking process. It is the first in a series of Sharefield Gang adventures. Discussion Notes are provided at the end to allow readers to further explore their own creative abilities.

Discover how “The Key on Edge” unlocks a lifetime of intrigue and wonder. Understanding and practicing creative thinking are the backbones of this uplifting and inspiring mystery novel. So, delve into the unknown, embrace the magic, and let your imagination soar. It will leave you questioning what lies beyond today and will ignite a sense of curiosity and excitement that will stay with you long after the final pages.

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♬ original sound – Author Michael J.

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ at The Classic Theatre

blessmeultima
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday February 16. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

With their upcoming production of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ The Classic Theatre continues to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary season. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author best known for his 1972 novel ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. The novel is a coming of age story of Antonio Márez and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima. It opens on Friday February 16 and will run until Sunday March 11 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students and are available online.  On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. Directed by José Rubén De León, it features familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience’ and ‘The House of Bernarda Alba,’ Bella Villarreal ‘The House on Mango Street’ and Amanda Ireta-Goode, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience.’

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450