Is the introduction in Frankenstein 3rd edition(1818) important?

I have to read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 3rd edition (1818) for school,There is a super long (45pages) introduction in the beginning of the book, I

I have to read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 3rd edition (1818) for school,
There is a super long (45pages) introduction in the beginning of the book, I want to know if it is worth reading because I don't understand it really.

or:I have to read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 3rd edition (1818) for school,There is a super long (45pages) introduction in the beginning of the book, I want to know if it is worth reading because I don't understand it really.

Tags:super,beginning,frankenstein,3rd,