How did Mary Shelley, or Frankenstein, influence Ray Bradbury's works?

It is well documented that the early authors of fantastic fiction profoundly influenced the author in his youth. He practically grew up in the library reading the likes of Shelley, Wells, Verne, Stevenson, Poe, Hawthorne, Bierce, Dickens, Burroughs, etc. (Read - Usher II, The Exiles, Any Friend of Nicholas Nickleby for further examples.)

Stylistically, Mr. Bradbury is quite unique. Conceptually all of the above mentioned authors (and so many more) seem to share a genius of creativity and foresight that makes them who they are - masters in their genres.

So too did the early and classic theater/cinema performers influence RB: Karloff, Cheney (Sr/Jr), Laurel & Hardy, WC Fields, Blackstone, and more. For
more of his own words on such topics and great biographic insights, get a copy of any of the following: Yestermorrow, Illustrated Life (Journey to Far Metaphor), or Zen in the Art of Writing.
This might also help: http://www.spaceagecity.com/bradbury/books.htm

Hope this helped.


[This message has been edited by fjpalumbo (edited 09-18-2003).]