"Mary Shelley’s Hidden Scotland"

''Mary Shelley’s Hidden Scotland'' with Dr Emily Alder

Summary:

Even a glance at only Mary Shelley’s most famous work, Frankenstein, reveals a relationship between her fiction and Scotland through Victor Frankenstein’s fateful time on Orkney. But a hidden Scotland can be found also in her less widely-known The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck and The Last Man. Shelley’s time as a girl on the 'northern shores’ of the Tay that were to her an ‘eyry of freedom’ helped shape her writing from Frankenstein onwards. This talk explores the influence of Scotland on Shelley and her fiction. Examples from these three novels - a Gothic classic, an historical novel, an apocalyptic science fiction epic - take us on a literary journey from Geneva to London, Orkney, Dundee, and Dunkeld.

Bio:

Dr Emily Alder grew up in Edinburgh and has been teaching and researching literature at Edinburgh Napier University for more than ten years. A specialist in nineteenth-century Gothic literature, she also branches out into environmental humanities and Scottish literature. She is co-founder of the Haunted Shores Research Network (haunted-shores.com) and co-editor of Gothic Studies. Emily has just published an anthology of Classic Weird Stories (Pan Macmillan, 2026), and her current projects include 'Mary Shelley in Scotland’, on which this talk is based, for the Oxford Handbook of Mary Shelley.

Venue:
The Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS

Event Running Time:
Doors 12pm
Introduction: 12:45pm
Lecture: 12:55pm
Q&A: 1:35pm
Mix & mingle with other attendees 1:45pm
Wrap up 2pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQ

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (about 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by audience Q&A. The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event dog friendly?

Yes, Pints of Knowledge is dog friendly. We request that dogs are on a leash and well behaved. If there's persistent disturbance you will be asked to leave.