Mary Shelley expert Fiona Sampson will be in conversation with Manderley Press publisher Rebeka Russell about her new collection of Shelley's writing - Mary Shelley in Bath. Fiona will be shedding light on Shelley's time in Bath and answering your pressing questions in a Q&A at the end. 

From the author of Frankenstein, this book brings together for the very first time the journals, letters and short stories that Mary Shelley wrote while living in Bath from 1816 to 1817.

In her brand new introduction, acclaimed poet, historian Mary Shelley biographer, Fiona Sampson describes this as a “strange, haunted” period for Mary, which would contribute to the evolution of her iconic Gothic novel, Frankenstein.

Mary Shelley in Bath explores how a place can shape a writer’s life and work, offering readers a deeper understanding of the pioneering woman behind one of literature’s most enduring masterpieces.

For Accessibility requirements please call 01225448515 or email events.bath@waterstones.com

Rebeka Russell set up her independent publishing imprint Manderley Press in 2021 which specialises in new editions of literary classics inspired by distinctive settings, and taking its name from Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca (‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.’)

Manderley Press will publish Storm Jameson’s Whitby-inspired novel The Moon is Making in 2026, and as part of this event, Rebeka will be in conversation with the writer, broadcaster and academic, Dr Katherine Cooper, who has collaborated on the forthcoming book.

A former editor at Thames & Hudson and the National Gallery, Rebeka grew up in Whitby, surrounded by historic houses and architecture.

She describes it as a muse to many wonderful authors new and old (think Bram Stoker, Elizabeth Gaskell, Storm Jameson, and Kate Atkinson).