Fiona Sampson

In this engaging discussion, poet and biographer Fiona Sampson uncovers the life of Mary Shelley, the mastermind behind Frankenstein. Fiona explores scandalous myths, including whether Mary lost her virginity on her mother's grave and if she kept Percy Shelley’s heart after his death. They dive into Mary’s upbringing, her radical intellectual influences, and how personal loss fueled her writing. Discover the dramatic backdrop of Villa Diodati, where the famous ghost story competition sparked her iconic novel, revealing the shadows of her turbulent life.

In this engaging discussion, Anil Seth, a cognitive neuroscientist and author of 'Being You,' joins poet Fiona Sampson, known for 'In Search of Mary Shelley,' to explore the intersections of literature and science. They dive into Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' uncovering its philosophical themes and the evolving understanding of consciousness. The duo discusses Shelley's inspirations from her life in Bath, the implications of artificial intelligence, and the moral dilemmas present in both the novel and contemporary science. Their insights shed light on the enduring relevance of Shelley's work.