Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
15 people recommended it in 10 threads, 2008–2025.
What people on Hacker News said
Highly recommend! It is nothing like it is portrayed to be in pop culture and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (unbelievable at 18 in 1818!) and as others have mentioned Verne, HG Wells(his insight inspired physicist Szilárd's neutron chain reaction).
I'm more of a fan of Frankenstein and Singin in the Rain sci-fi that explores the social/personal disruptions introduced by technology.
For the morality that you must take responsibility for the consequences of your inventions.
Basically the first science fiction, and the warnings of the perils of technology are still just as relevant today.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books or essays written at least 100 years ago? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 2 recommendations
- Ask YC: What's the most inspiring sci-fi book you've read? 2008 · 2 recommendations
- My favorite cult sci-fi and fantasy books you may not have heard of before 2025 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2015? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014? 2014 · 1 recommendation
- The Best Science Fiction Books (According to Reddit) 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books. 2009 · 1 recommendation