Why a volcanic eruption caused a 'year without a summer' in 1816

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 2306 GMT (0706 HKT) September 17, 2019

<strong>Castle Frankenstein: </strong>Two centuries after author Mary Shelley conceived "Frankenstein," its gothic echoes can still be found across Europe. Castle Frankenstein near Darmstadt, Germany, was the birthplace of alchemist Conrad Dippel, whose purported experiments on the human bodies may have inspired Shelley.
Photos: On the trail of Frankenstein
Castle Frankenstein: Two centuries after author Mary Shelley conceived "Frankenstein," its gothic echoes can still be found across Europe. Castle Frankenstein near Darmstadt, Germany, was the birthplace of alchemist Conrad Dippel, whose purported experiments on the human bodies may have inspired Shelley.
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<strong>Creepy statue: </strong>Frankenstein is an increasingly popular tourist attraction in the Swiss city of Geneva, where a statue of Mary Shelley's monster stands tall at Plainpalais -- the site where the character committed his first murder.
Photos: On the trail of Frankenstein
Creepy statue: Frankenstein is an increasingly popular tourist attraction in the Swiss city of Geneva, where a statue of Mary Shelley's monster stands tall at Plainpalais -- the site where the character committed his first murder.
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<strong>Literary monster:</strong> Fondation Martin Bodmer, Geneva, a library with a large collection of rare books, is this year celebrating the bicentenary of the creation of the work with an exhibition of first editions, paintings and manuscripts.
Photos: On the trail of Frankenstein
Literary monster: Fondation Martin Bodmer, Geneva, a library with a large collection of rare books, is this year celebrating the bicentenary of the creation of the work with an exhibition of first editions, paintings and manuscripts.
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<strong>Villa by the lake: </strong>In June 1816, this villa overlooking Lake Geneva hosted five young people from England, including Mary Shelley and romantic poet Lord Byron. It was here Shelley first related her Frankenstein tale.
Photos: On the trail of Frankenstein
Villa by the lake: In June 1816, this villa overlooking Lake Geneva hosted five young people from England, including Mary Shelley and romantic poet Lord Byron. It was here Shelley first related her Frankenstein tale.
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