How Many Frankenstein Plays Exist?

The first and original work of Mary Shelley was published in 1818 without attribution. The novel was then adapted into a play, which had a successful run; after this, a second edition of the novel was published in 1822, this time in two parts. Mary Shelley was actually credited as the author this time around. She had not been stated as the author of the first edition, as it was published anonymously, though it did have a preface written by Percy Shelley.
Later in 1831, another edition was published. This edition went on to become the standard edition which most people have read. Though it is the most common, this edition was heavily edited by Shelley before publication due to some critiques citing the original as far too radical and vulgar. The Quarterly Review, a literary and political periodical, said the 1818 version of Frankenstein was, “a tissue of horrible and disgusting absurdity,” upon its release. Because of the 1831 edition, there has been controversy as to which edition is most deserving of the spotlight.
The 1818 edition is the original work of Mary Shelley. It’s the one that started it all, and for some, the edition deserving of all the attention. The merit in this edition is in its origin. The 1818 edition was spawned from a friendly writing competition among Shelley’s friends and is loved by scholars and Franken-heads for its rawness and unaltered state. It’s believed this edition contains the original message of Shelley where the 1831 version tatters it.
To the chagrin of many, the 1831 version is the most widely read edition of Frankenstein. Anne K. Mellor wrote an essay in the W. W. Norton Critical edition arguing that the 1831 edition of Frankenstein loses Shelley’s tone and doesn’t coincide with her original vision.
Generally, since its creation, Shelley’s Frankenstein has been made into almost 300 editions.