Elephant Man: Revised Edition

Upon seeing the movie "The Elephant man" I was immediately possessed by an overwhelming urge to know how much of the movie was true, and how much was false. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book answered every question I had, and more. Ashley Montagu has researched the subject with such a tenacity that it truly boggles my mind that he was able to collect all this information Though I respect the reviews of others here, I have to respectfully disagree with what some have said doubting the influence of his mother, for two reasons. The first and foremost being that Mr. Montagu gives more than enough information as to allow the reader to make their own informed decision, even if they do not agree with his views. The second reason being that the idea of Joseph's father being the shining beacon in young Joseph's life is very unlikely. Joseph Merrick's father let him be sent away to work at age 12. Keep in mind, a hip injury had left him practically lame, and he had almost no use of his right arm. One day his father beat him severely when he spent too much money, which money he earned himself, on food. There is no record of him making any attempt to recover Joseph when Joseph left home for good at the age of 14. (Mr. Treves thought Joseph's mother had sent him to the workhouses, however, Mr Montegu proves this assumption wrong) I would say that Mr Montegu places such importance on Joseph's mother simply because it seems quite impossible that such an importance could be ascribed to the father given the facts. To this day, I can not fathom Joseph Merrick; by all accounts, after everything that happened to him, he should have been bitter and spiteful to the core, yet he was was instead a shining example of courage, dignity, and the human spirit. This book illuminates that undying spirit in a way that is hard to describe. I would recommend this book to everybody.

24 years ago I first encountered Joseph Merrick in a book of freaks. I was so touched I sought books about him. This one was all my library offered. I checked it out so much they gave it to me! To this day this book is the thing I would grab in a house fire. I couldn't begin to tell you of the depth of beauty of Joseph's soul or of the impact he's made in my life. I was thrilled when they started making movies about him and new books came out. If there was a Joseph Merrick fan club, I would definately be president. When I die and see Joseph in heaven, I'll be glad. I wish all people could be a precious as he.

Anthropologist Ashley Montagu's moving study of the now famous Elephant Man, Joseph Merrick. Based on the writings of Dr. Frederick Treves and the casts and photos of Mr. Merrick, Montagu tells the sad story of a boy who lived a horrible life due to his terrible dieases which grew progressively worse as he aged. Merrick frightened off practically everyone he came in contact with, while eventually settling in as a sideshow freak at traveling carnivals. Eventually being so disfigured and horrible, the bobbies would not even allow the show to go on. Dr. Treves, who discovers Merrick takes him in to his hospital to stay for the rest of his life which was a turning point, as now he would be looked on as a human, and not as a monster. More story than analysis of Merrick's disfigurment, however, leads one to realize the care that Montagu has placed in this tale. This book has also inspired a play, as well as David Lynch's film 'The Elephant Man' which I believe is a good adaptation. The movie puts a moral spin asking whether John Merrick's position as a carnival freak has not changed being in a hospital. That is, is Dr. Treves a carnival barker for the public media rather than for a small crowd paying to watch the traveling band of human curiosities. Montague did not comment on this point of view for he kept Merrick's dignity in tact. Also included are the original writings of Dr. Treve's as well as a few other papers on the Elephant Man at the time of his death.

The passing of time and the exposure of truth has corrected many utopic ideas we may have had about some individuals in history originally viewed as heroes. Joseph Merrick occupies a much deserved place in the sphere of true greatness that has room for only a few. Parents, teachers, preachers, if you are looking for an example to hold up before your children, then introduce them to Merrick, the "Elephant Man." One glimpse of the greatness of this man's spirit will expose in the reader either faith or foolishness; there is no middle ground on which to stand in Merrick's story. Our society's self-serving definition of "tolerance" is blown to the winds in light of this man's life and death.

When I was about eiight years old, I saw the the film "The Elephant Man" for the first time. I wondered if Joseph (called John) Merrick would look anything like Rocky Dennis had in the film "Mask," starring Eric Stoltz. He didn't look like Rocky Dennis. He looked worse. Much worse. I sat there with my jaw dropped- and to think, I was only seeing actor John Hurt under an incredibly real make-up job done by make-up artist Christopher Tucker! When I was older, I saw the film again, and learned this time that during the filming of the movie, actor John Hurt's scenes could only be shot on alternate days because once he was in complete make-up (with its various foam rubber appliances, etc.), the whole thing was so heavy that he was unable to eat or even lie down. American Movie Classics spokesman Bob Dorian pointed out that this could give all of us an idea of the terible suffering the real John Merrick had to endure. Well, I had to read the book! In my opinion, it is quite simply an incredible story! John Merrick lived in England during the last years of the Victorian Era (late 1800's) Though he was deformed at birth, the true depth of his rare and mysterious disorder (Neuro-fibro-meiosis) did not become evident until he got older. After the death of his mother, his father married their land-lady. Subjected to unbearrable taunting and teasing by his stepmother's children, and fearing he would be in trouble after losing use of his right hand, Merrick fled his home and was eventually forced to do hard labor in factories to earn a living. Somehow, he was eventually convinced to "sell himself" by appearing as an act in various carnival side shows. Under the control of his "master", a cruel and unbearrable man who beat and abused him severely, there seemed to be no way out for Merrick- until he came across Dr. Fredrick Treves. On a chance encounter, (or maybe it wasn't) Treves discovered Merrick and attepted to rescue him, though it would be several years and a marvelous turn of events before Merrick's life would change...... Author Ashley Montagu pays much detail to the various horific events that plague Merrick's life and probes the question of how he could've remained such a loving and gentle person in spite of everything. In response to this I will simply say that this is a rather spiritual story, which is something I enjoyed very much. I was also intrigued by the fact that Merrick lived at a time when there was considered to be "no hope" for individuals in situations such as his- which was rather unusual, regardless of the time period.