According to the exhibit website, Shelley spent his life writing unique poetry during the Romantic period that reflected his radical beliefs. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, which is considered one of the most influential novels of the early nineteenth century. Mary’s parents, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, were also prominent figures in the English Enlightenment.

The exhibit features Mary’s original manuscripts of Frankenstein, as well as Godwin’s personal journal highlighting the culture of the nineteenth century, according to exhibitions.nypl.org. It also includes pieces such as poems Percy wrote as a child, an engagement ring from Percy’s first wife and the only known letter written by Allegra Byron, daughter of poet Lord Byron.
Curator Stephen Hebron said he hopes the exhibit encourages people to develop interest in the Shelleys, according to dnainfo.org. The exhibit is open until June 24.