Publisher's Synopsis
This classic book, long out of print and very rare, first introduced the world to the horrific, brief, but inspiring life of JOSEPH CAREY MERRICK, a.k.a. "the Elephant Man," the grotesquely deformed man rescued from a life as a sideshow exhibit by the kindly and brilliant author and surgeon, Dr. Sir Frederick Treves, of the Royal London Hospital. Finally given a home, Merrick begins to heal psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually, before his tragic death in 1890. He has, of course, gone on to inspire plays, films, television programs, and countless other media, becoming one of the most tragic and beloved historical characters of all time. Treves recounts his story, along with a dozen others, giving the reader a rare insight into what it was like to be a doctor practicing in the worst slums of Victorian England, at a time when poverty and death stalked the streets with every bit the evil, malicious rancor of a Jack the Ripper, a contemporary of his time. It is our unparalleled privilege to make this great, forgotten treasure available to contemporary readers once more. Note: The cover image is the genuine hat and hood worn by Merrick to conceal his deformity. It is on display to this day at the Royal London Hospital Medical Museum, along with the skeletal remains of Merrick, and his other memorabilia. The photo is public domain.
