Preface ( By P . B Shelley , 1818 )
The event on which this fiction is founded has been supposed , by Dr . Darwin , and some of the physiological writers of Germany , as not of impossible occurrence . I shall not be supposed as according the remotest degree of serious faith to such an imagination ; yet , in assuming it as the basis of a work of fancy , I have not considered myself as merely weaving a series of supernatural terrors . The event on which the interest of the story depends is exempt from the disadvantages of a mere tale of spectres or enchantment . It was recommended by the novelty of the situations which it develops ; and , however impossible as a physical fact , affords a point of view to the imagination for the delineating of human passions
more comprehensive and commanding than any which the ordinary relations of existing events can yield .
I have thus endeavoured to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature , while I have not scrupled to innovate upon their combinations . The Iliad , the tragic poetry of Greece- Shakespeare , in the Tempest / and Midsummer Night ’ s Dream- and most especially Milton , in Paradise Lost , conform to this rule ; and the most humble novelist , who seeks to confer or receive amusement from his labours , may , without presumption , apply to prose fiction a licence , or rather a rule , from the adoption of which so many exquisite combinations of human feeling have resulted in the highest specimens of poetry .
The circumstance on which my story rests was suggested in casual conversation . It was commenced partly as a source of amusement , and partly as an expedient for exercising any untried resources of mind . Other motives were mingled with these as the work proceeded . I am by