Product Description

Information on many genetic disorders, and the frequent new findings on them, has been extremely difficult to come by—until now. The “Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders” addresses the need for current, hard-to-find facts on emerging discoveries. The two-volume Encyclopedia, presented in a single alphabetical sequence, provides clear, complete information on genetic disorders, including conditions, tests, procedures, treatments and therapies, in articles that are both comprehensive and easy to understand, in language accessible to laypersons. The articles are arranged in a standardized format for quick comparison and ease of use, while non-disorder topics are covered in detail with extended entries. Students will want to consult the “Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders” for useful information on a range of well known disorders, including Down Syndrome, Trisomy, Hemophilia and Tourette Syndrome, and rarely seen diseases such as Meckel Syndrome, Neuraminidase Deficiency and Phenylketonuria.

Product Description
After more than a century, the mystery of "The Elephant Man" has been solved.This fascinating story, which has touched the hearts and imaginations of readers throughout the world for over a century, is now complete.The mystifying question has been answered:How could this poor, deformed fellow, so cruelly treated by his fellowman for so long, turn out to be such a gentle, loving creature?Read about it in the new Third Edition of The Elephant Man by Ashley Montagu -- the book whose first edition inspired the movie and the Tony Award-winning play by the same name. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Montagu is a Disservice to the Story of the Elephant Man
Treves' writings I would give 5 stars, but the book as a whole I give 3.

I would only recommend this book for the short story that Frederick Treves wrote and for the pictures, paintings, etc., that are in this book. I believe Ashley Montagu did an extreme disservice to John Merrick (Joseph as he likes to call him and was his given name, it seems). He also did quite the disservice to Treves. Using Treves' book, only to discredit him! It looks to me that Montagu only wanted to further his own book and his beliefs on people who can't quite come to grips with what John Merrick went through. It is unbelievable how much Montagu contradicts himself --- and he doesn't even seem to notice. He was boring ... and this is not the book I thought I was buying! Treves' story of the man he knew and helped, was so beautifully written, so real, and so touching. Montagu tries through out the book to almost say, "I am right and Treves is wrong." His findings have no proof. His logic makes no sense! Either Treves is a liar and Montagu is right --- or Treves is telling the truth and Montagu is just furthering his beliefs on people and because he thinks every person has to have a loving mom to be nice, etc. Treves had no reason to lie. All he says makes sense. I believe Treves without a doubt. I just wish there was more that he had written. Montagu would have you believe that John Merrick was only maltreated severely (if that) for a few years. Treves says it was all his life. There is no way that Montagu could be correct (and most of what he says has no proof) and for John Merrick to be who he was ... i.e. react to things as he did ... to not want to talk about the past, etc. A few years just isn't going to do to a person, what your whole life would ... meaning, being treated horribly, no love, no talking, no nothing ... a nightmare. John's earliest memory is the workhouse. How, then, could it not be of his mother, if what Montagu says is true that John had her up to almost eleven years old? Because it's not true!

As you read Treves beautiful story of John Merrick ... don't let Montagu ruin it for you. Read it to see how much Montagu doesn't make sense, how it doesn't add up, and how he has no proof. Even the so called "Autobiography of Joseph Carey Merrick" supposedly by Merrick, has no proof of authorship! His handler could have written it, or told John what to write. Then, when you're done with the book, read only Treves again, and take in what Treves was telling us. What a humble, gentle, loving, true human being John Merrick was. And realize, that yes, anything is possible through the Lord ... and I believe the Lord was with John and that John trusted in the Lord, and that he is in Heaven today.

The book is worth it to buy for the Treves story and the pictures. But that's all.

Book comparisons about Joseph Merricks
Like others I purchased and read this book after reading the book by C. Sparks based on Joseph Merricks life. I also purchased "The True Story of the Elephant Man" by Howell and Ford. I found that to be a vastly superior book in detailing his true life and the ways of the London in that era. Montagu did not enlighten me with any new facts, and filled the rest of his pages with his thoughts.

The truth of the elephant man
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.

A very good book.
I really liked reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.It is about the life of Joseph Merrick.It shows people how that it is what is inside a person that counts.What is in their heart that counts, and not how they look.It's one of the best books I've ever read.

Slightly outdated, poorly written, but good information
I read this book after reading Christine Sparks' novel, "The Elephant Man", which is based on the movie based on the true-life story of Merrick.Reading Montagu's book helped me realize which parts of the story were from Merrick's actual life and which were artistic creations.Montagu includes a number of primary documentation in presenting the history of Merrick (including Treves' memoirs, Merrick's autobiography, Carr-Gomm's letters to the Times, etc.), as well as what later researchers have found out about Merrick's history and a description of the disorder he was inflicted with, neurofibromatosis.

After presenting this information, Montagu continues by explaining the moral lessons that come from the story of Merrick.This is where Montagu's book starts to reveals its dated-ness.Though the lesson of the importance of loving a child will never be outdated, Montagu insists on the special role of the mother, whereas modern anthropologists have conclude that fathers can nurture children as well as mothers (men are not as inclined to participate, but do have the ability).In the 70's when this book was written, child rearing was still looked upon as being the sole domain of the woman.Mother-love should be read parental-love.

The second complaint I have is Montagu's actual writing style.Though he has good thoughts and ideas, he has little skill in expressing them and has a tendency to rehash the same thought over and over again.His writing is not well organized (beyond being divided into chapters) and his presentation of moral truths comes off more like pleading rather than as a well-presented argument.The language is simple and easy for children to understand so it is a great book for young readers, but the adult reader will feel the book lacking.

I am glad I purchased this book, and I recommend it for people who want to know more about the life of Joseph Merrick, but the rest of the content must be read with a grain of salt - realize that the writing is poor and the analysis is somewhat outdated.I could not give it 4 or 5 stars because of these faults. ... Read more

Product Description
Traces the history of Joseph Merrick, called the Elephant Man because of a deformity, from his birth in central England to his death in a London hospital in 1890. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Elephant Man
Book was in very good condition and described perfectly by seller.Thanks.Great transaction.

The (More or Less) True History of the Elephant Man
Unlike the (brilliant) play and movie of the same name, Frederick Drimmer's "fictional biography" of Joseph Merrick, THE ELEPHANT MAN, aims to tell the subject's true life story, based on accounts of those who knew him.I first read THE ELEPHANT MAN as a teenager in high school.Revisiting the book now as an adult, I find there is little I can add to the apt assessment of the reviewer quoted here on Amazon.com.I'll only repeat that Drimmer, an authority on so-called human oddities and a gifted writer, tells Merrick's sad yet inspiring story tastefully and with drama and interest in every chapter.Merrick's humanity and that of his doctor, Frederick Treves, and his other friends shines through brightly, yet the evils present in British Victorian society are not underplayed.Consequently, THE ELEPHANT MAN reads like both a biography and an entertaining work of fiction, suitable for both young and older adults.

Touching reading
I was very touched by the story of the Elephant man, who was very deformed and endured many hardships in his childhood and young adult life because of his appearance. His life becomes bearable though in his end years thanks to the kindness of Dr. Fredrick Treves and many other people. If you haven't heard of or read about the Elephant man yet, I recommend this book, Joseph Merrick's story (the Elephant man) is something you won't forget. The terrors he went through and then how incredibly grateful he was for the simplest pleasures after being rescued by Dr. Treves make me see life through new eyes: it is hard to take things for granted. The book also includes photographs of Joseph.

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ IT IS A TRUE STORY ABOUT A MAN JOSEPH CAREY MERRICK WHO SUFFERED A DISEASE PROTIO-SYNDROM WHICH DISFIGURED HIM. ITS ABOUT HOW HE LIVED AND HOW HE SPENT HIS TIME WITH HIS DOCTOR. THE WHOLE BOOK IS GREAT I FOUND IT VERY INTERESTING AND TOUCHING.BUT IN ALL I WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE. -RANDY

Reveals The Lies Of The Movie
The movie, which I saw when I was 7 was a lie.Tom Norman, his manager in the freak show treated him with great respect and was a portaryed as a monster.He was never stolen from the London Hospital and was not beaten.The movie focused on the bad of his life but not the good.Sir FredrickTreves (forgiven an misspelling,s, I am only 12) the sugeon that helped himwas a great man and help John and brought out the good that most overlookedbecause of his appearance.He is man i would love to personally meet andthis book helped me realize that he was a smart man, a caring man, a lovingman....This book would help anyone interested in this subject with it'sphotos and insight. ... Read more

Product Description
Follows the life of Joseph Merrick, called the Elephant Man because of a deformity, from his early years as a sideshow attraction to his death in a London hospital in 1890. ... Read more

Product Description
As famous today as he was in his time, here is the whole story of the Elephant Man.Due to horrible physical deformities, he spent much of his life as a fair-ground freak. He was hounded, persecuted, and starving, until his fortune changed and he was rescued, housed, and fed by the distinguished surgeon, Frederick Treves. The subject of several books, a Broadway hit, and a film, Joseph Merrick has become part of popular mythology. Here, in this fully revised edition containing much fresh information, are the true and unromanticized facts of his life. 46 b&w illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

So very touching
I didn't know anything about the Elephant Man, Mr. Joseph Carey Merrick, and this book is highly informative. I can't speak to how it compares to other books or information that's out there as the other review states. I am not a scholar who has studied anything about him. However, if you're looking for perhaps an introduction to the Elephant Man, this book is an easy read and gives not only information regarding Mr. Merrick, (I believe a great deal of information given that it seems there's not really that much known about him) but it also includes short narratives of information of the people closest to him. I was really pleased that it also described and gave a feel for the culture at the time which helped put into perspective the suffering Joseph endured, but also speaks to the kindness he received. This was absolutely one of the saddest and most touching books I've ever read. His life is a true testament to what the human spirit can endure and what the human spirit should truly be. I believe he was probably the most deformed and ugly human-being physically speaking and yet the most beautiful in spirit that God ever created.

Disappointing!
If you haven't read any other biographies of Joseph Carey Merrick, this is a thorough and illuminating account of his life, with terrific photos of Merrick and the important people and places in his life. It's scholarly yet readable. However...the author's description of this 2010 edition implies that it contains "fresh information" since the excellent 2001 edition of the same title. Devoted scholars of Joseph Merrick's life are bound to be disappointed to find that this book contains no recent facts and photos, of which there are plenty, since 2001.

For example, on a 2005 "Discovery" television program,DNA tests were carried out on Merrick's skull and compared with his surviving relatives to determine whether his disorder could recur among them. The results were reassuring --the chances were about 1 in a billion.
The scientists also created a computer-generated image of Joseph's face had he not suffered from his terrible disorder, generally thought to be the extremely rare Proteus Syndrome and possible NF1.That fascinating image of the "real" Joseph Merrick is not included in this work.None of this truly 'fresh information' is included in this book. Nor do photographs of his parents appear, or a host of other easily uncovered information.A research and advocacy group called Friends of Joseph Carey Merrick has uncovered much more "fresh information" than this book!. This group, founded by Jeanette Sitton, ( [..]) is well worth visiting on the web and on Facebook for current discoveries about Joseph's life.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A fresh, clear view of the Elephant Man's mythology
Joseph Merrick's life has become so much fact and myth intertwined that it's hard to separate one from the other. This work takes a clear-eyed look at the real Merrick as well as the interpretations of him in books, plays and film. A starting point is the memoir by Sir Frederick Treves, who brought Merrick from the dusty annals of a medical journal into the spotlight of literary fame.

Readers of Joseph Merrick's story often respond with pity, horror, compassion and downright idolatry. The authors take a long look at the wise-cracking,cynical Merrick presented by Bernard Pomerance in his play, "The Elephant Man." Despite his sharp wit and desire for women, Merrick exudes an innocence and artistic gift that becomes a metaphor for humanity's search for God. It's a heavy burden for this theatrical work to convey, but it's mostly successful.

The authors also describe lesser-known, sometimes bizarre plays that pre-date the famous Pomerance one. They go into great detail about the David Lynch film interpretation of "John" Merrick, based on the book by psychologist Ashley Montagu. Although the film is melodramatic and downright weepy at points, it leaves the viewer with a profound affection for Treves, Merrick, and the compassionate staff of the London Hospital.

A remarkable book of poetry is also mentioned: "Words For Elephant Man," by Kenneth Sherman. His view of Merrick is more caustic than the historical Joseph but moving and tender nonetheless.

I feel this work is a thoughtful, original interpretation in itself and gives full credit to Joseph Merrick as a dignified, gentle man who has taught us about patience, endurance and the ability to love one's fellow man.

Not good
It was like reading a high school term paper.The book that was used for a constant source is a better option.

Amazing resource on this subject
I found this book invaluable in my research on the play, The Elephant Man, by Bernard Pomerance. It is objective in ways that most work on this subject is not. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Joseph Carey Merrick, born in England on August 5, 1952, is better known as The Elephant Man. Through horrible physical deformities which were almost impossible to describe, he spent much of his life exhibited as a fairground freak until even nineteenth-century sensibilities could take no more. Hounded, persecuted and starving, he ended up at London’s Liverpool Street Station where he was rescued, housed and fed by the distinguished surgeon Frederick Treves. To Treves’ surprise, he discovered during the course of their friendship that lurking beneath the mass of Merrick's corrupting flesh lived a spirit that was as courageous as it had been tortured, and a nature as gentle and dignified as it had been deprived and tormented. The subject of several books, a Broadway hit, and a film, Joseph Merrick has become part of popular mythology. Here, in this fully revised edition containing new details, are the true and unromantic facts of his life. This is an extraordinary and moving story, set among the brutal realities of the Victorian world, telling of a tragic individual and his survival against overwhelming odds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The best biography of Joseph Carey Merrick
This is definitely the best and most thoroughly researched biography of Joseph Carey Merrick, aka "The Elephant Man." Beautifully written, very readable and thoroughly researched account of a gentle courageous soul trapped inside a body terribly deformed by Proteus syndrome.

Recently, a new edition of this book was issued which purported to contain 'fresh information" on Joseph Merrick. Alas, it is only a paperback version of this 2001 edition, with no new research from 2001 on.Not only that, the photographs in the newer edition are of poor resolution.

This edition remains for now the gold standard of Merrick research, with excellent photographs of Merrick and the important people and places in his life. We can only hope that a newer, more updated biography will emerge from the revelations that have come to light. One of the most prolific websites of up-to-date research topics is the Friends of Joseph Carey Merrick group on Facebook. We also have Jonathan Evans, the latest curator of the London Hospital Archives, to thank for his expertise and devotion to Merrick's legacy.

I highly recommend this edition!

Happy every hour of the day
With twelve viewings so far, David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" has been my favorite movie for about twenty years, indeed one of the very few movies I would call a masterpiece. So it is quite a mystery why I should have waited so long to read this biography of its protagonist, Joseph Carey Merrick, whom the movie, following errors in the source material itself, incorrectly names John.

Having already seen a decent BBC documentary on the subject ("The Curse of the Elephant Man"), I was not totally unaware of the facts of the case, and I already knew for instance that Joseph spent some time in the countryside, something which Lynch decided not to depict in his film so as to achieve a more complete immersion in his bleak, black and white vision of Victorian London (indeed, one type of shock a fan of the movie will encounter while reading the book comes from its occasional touches of colour : I remember being struck by the blue bunsene light that lit the Elephant Man's face when Treves first met him.)

What is most surprising about the book, is how the film managed to be so faithful to Merrick's psychology (Lynch's John is the true Joseph, not some Hollywood fantasy), while altering many elements in the background, most of the secondary characters being dramatically different.

To mention a few of the changes from reality to film :

Joseph's manager as a freak, Tom Norman, was turned by the screenplay into Freddie Jones' very Dickensian Bytes, who beat and exploited his freak. Actually, Tom Norman was one of the few decent persons whom Joseph encountered before his change of fortune, enabling him to save as much as £50 (enough to live for a year without working) over his short career. The true evil was in fact the British government, which decided to ban all exhibitions of freaks as indecent (and references to Joseph's "nakedness" suggests that they may well have been), thereby forcing them out of the market and depriving them of their livelihood. To the writers' discharge, though, it might be argued that the fictional Bytes was a composite of Norman and the evil Austrian impresario who robbed Joseph of his savings in Belgium, which somewhat minimizes the gratuitousness of an all-too-typical Hollywood slur on the entrepreneur.

One of the famous scenes of the movie, in which Joseph attends a pantomime, is asked by Treves to "stand up" before the audience and is applauded by them, is a complete reversal of the true incident. Actually, Joseph attended the show incognito, and the most stringent precautions were taken to keep the rest of the audience unaware of his arrival, presence and departure (but then, the screenwriters needed their second "stand up" scene for dramatic reasons.)

In the film, Anne Bancroft's Mrs Kendal is shown visiting Joseph regularly at the hospital. Actually, the actress never met him in person, though she did send him her photograph and other presents. On the other hand, Princess Alexandra, who is shown much more sparingly in the film, did visit him several times, and send him Christmas cards.

The scene in which Michael Elphick's night porter introduces a bunch of drunks and prostitutes into Joseph's rooms may also be an exaggeration from much more minor real-life incidents. Also, on his return to London, Joseph did not find refuge in the toilets, but in the waiting room of the railway station. As for the model church he made, Lynch hides the fact that Joseph was actually using commercialized cut-and-assemble models from the local bookstore, which the nurses helped him assemble. The film makes it appear that Joseph had some wonderful artistic gift and was very dexterous, whereas his enormous right hand prevented him from even working in the cigar industry.

One thing I was curious about was Joseph's religion, as the film has very little to say about it, or about religion at the hospital in general. His mother was a Baptist, and the Bible was a book he had read several times over. When at the London Hospital, he was "confirmed" by an Anglican "bishop" (I am using scare quotes because as a Catholic I believe Anglican "bishops" are not validly ordained and, being mere laymen, do not have the power to confirm anyone) and allowed to participate in church services at the chapel.

Howell and Ford's book is truly a biography everyone should read. It gives an excellent picture of Victorian London, conditions in Poor Houses, the whole milieu of country fairs and freak shows and life at the London Hospital. It also contains a two-page autobiographical piece by Joseph himself, and the relevant extract from Treves' famous "The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences", but it is well-researched enough to point out the few errors and inaccuracies in these primary sources themselves. It also corrects erroneous interpretations in Ashley Montagu's earlier book on the subject.

All in all, this is a superb read, which could serve as concrete argument against a culture of death which is too ready to consider some lives not worth living. "Happy every hour of the day", after all, was how Joseph himself described his life at the hospital. And his happiness is one of the things most readers will paradoxically end up envying him.

Integrety & Humility is the Elephant Man story
This book cannot help but touch every human being who reads it! With so many disabled people in our world, and our pre-occupation with appearances and the body beautiful, the elephant man story covers all the physical and emotional aspects of living with an extreme disability with dignity and humility for all readers to experience. Of course the help and support he and others must receive all helps. Peter Ford presents his extensive research findings on those that came to the elephant man's aid in a personable way. Although the film is based on his life, the book reflects Joseph Merrick's life in reality, politely comparing the differences between his film persona and his real life condition. It helped me to fill in the gaps left after watching the film and left me with a thankfulness of how well off my family and I are.

Not for light reading...
The very nature of this topic is difficult to accept given its sadness.However, with only the very-well-made movie to capture its subject, this book helps define everything, thereafter.Nothing can alleviate the weight of its subject matter; but, it does help one to interpret the man, more than the mystique.Ultimately, it makes you glad that Mr. Merrick did have a graceful exit from life given the dire physical deformity that shaped it.

The amazing story of Joseph Merrick.
Very good and in-depth book on the life of not only Joseph Merrick, but also Mr. Treves and many other people who happened into his life. Can you imagine even for one minute being in this guys shoes? I mean can any of us even begin to grasp the sort of life Joseph must of had to deal with? Can you imagine being so utterly repulsive looking (sorry, but he was) that just one glance at your face would make people flee, children cry, and women pass out, I mean think about just how horrible that would have been. He also suffered from chronic pain, and smelled something awful. Yet, beyond that he was such a kind, gentle, shy, caring, lovable and curious individual, who by all accounts would of been completely normal and was highly intelligent. What a life, what a great true story of a very strong determined soul. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Modern theatrical masterwork
I can think of few films that have touched me as deeply as Lynch's "The Elephant Man."Hence, I was prepared for an anticlimactic theater piece when I picked up the script and subsequently attended the play.To my surprise, it's every bit as powerful as the film--in no way a replacement for Lynch's supreme achievement but a necessary complement to it.

Pomerance' play concentrates on Dr. Frederick Treves, whose experience places him in the company of Conrad's Marlowe.By the end of the play his promotion to knighthood is one more empty Victorian consolation added to a career that has become meaningless.In his powerful, climactic "corset" speech he rises to social indictment of the highest order--a recognition of the "horror" and a denunciation of the shallow, exploitive, self-deluded, spiritless society that he would prefer to be no part of (his epiphany is also suggestive of Charles Smithson's in "The French Lieutenant's Woman").

Juxtaposed with the film, Pomerance's play makes us aware of the power of the theater of the imagination.Unlike the movie, whose requirements for verisimilitude led John Hurt to putting on facial make-up for six hours prior to each day's shoot, the play's John Merrick appears without disguise.His normal features are soon replaced, however, by the audience's realization that Merrick could be--and is--any one of us.

Both a little less realistic and less sentimental than the film, the play is at the same time a provocative and moving study in self-discovery.

Sorrowful Life of Joseph Merrick
I read this book in my Literature class where we began a journey into the life of Joseph Merrick(The Elephant Man). Merrick was born physically deformed that would scare anyone but had the most pure heart. This play is about how society drove this man into obsurity to hide his hideous face under a burlap sack until his oversized head falls back and he dies a most poetic death.

A Wonderful Play
I obtained a copy of the play from my local library think that it would resemble the movie; it did not.This play was so riveting that I read the play 4 more times while in my possession.The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance follows the tragic life of Joseph Merrick.Pomerance wrote everything just right to complete a masterpiece.Pomerances use of diction and dialogue took the read right into Merricks hospital room in turn of the 20th century London.
While reading the play, I found myself becoming emotionally attached to Merrick as he transformed from a horrid animal to a person of intelligence and wisdom.Each time I read the play I picked up the little things Pomerance wrote about how cruel humanity can be to things they don't understand.
I found myself finishing the play and then turning back to page one.The play was enthralling.Expanding my mind to the world before me while ironically keeping me away from it.The Elephant Man should be dispersed to high schools nation wide, so teenagers have the chance to read and annotate a great piece of literature.This play is great to read for your own pleasure.It will expand your mind, and rethink your position in society.
A strong worded masterpiece like a cannonball ripping through the literary cannon.I recommend this play to anyone of any age looking to expand their mind and thoughts of the society around them.

A wonderful play
I obtained a copy of the play from my local library think that it would resemble the movie; it did not.This play was so riveting that I read the play 4 more times while in my possession.The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance follows the tragic life of Joseph Merrick.Pomerance wrote everything just right to complete a masterpiece.Pomerances use of diction and dialogue took the read right into Merricks hospital room in turn of the 20th century London.
While reading the play, I found myself becoming emotionally attached to Merrick as he transformed from a horrid animal to a person of intelligence and wisdom.Each time I read the play I picked up the little things Pomerance wrote about how cruel humanity can be to things they don't understand.
I found myself finishing the play and then turning back to page one.The play was enthralling.Expanding my mind to the world before me while ironically keeping me away from it.The Elephant Man should be dispersed to high schools nation wide, so teenagers have the chance to read and annotate a great piece of literature.This play is great to read for your own pleasure.It will expand your mind, and rethink your position in society.
A strong worded masterpiece like a cannonball ripping through the literary cannon.I recommend this play to anyone of any age looking to expand their mind and thoughts of the society around them.

Beautiful and touching
This play by Bernard Pomerance is one of the most moving and beautiful scripts I have ever read. The dialogue is richly textured and has many layers of subtext, including implications about British colonialism. I chose to see the play as, among other things, a metaphor for the British view of the "white man's burden" and their fascination with the idea of the "civilized savage", but I think the most brilliant works of art are open to myriad interpretations. Although a play needs to be performed to fully come alive, Pomerance's script stands alone well, as a poem or novel would. Its words go to the core of the human experience. ... Read more

Product Description
Publisher: London, New York [etc.] Cassell and Company, Ltd.Publication date: 1923Subjects: Merrick, Joseph Carey, 1862-1890Physicians -- Correspondence, reminiscences, etcNeurofibromatosis -- biographyAbnormalities, MultipleNotes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be numerous typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Product Description
Dale Carey Greene is young, rich, bright, articulate . . . and profoundly disfigured. He has one of the most severe cases of Proteus syndrome -- commonly known as Elephant Man's Disease -- on record. Fearing the cruel stares and harsh judgment of strangers, he remains isolated on his parent's massive estate. He would be completely disconnected from society were it not for his father's radio station, where he DJs the nine-to-midnight shift in the privacy of his own announce booth. Here he enjoys a meaningful connection with his fans until . . . they demand a personal appearance, and he must face his darkest fears on . . . The Brink of Tomorrow

The Brink of Tomorrow weaves the wisdom of modern metaphysics into a gripping journey of self-discovery -- heart-pounding dread, a grievous error in judgment, an ignominious fall from grace, the abyss of despair, profound introspection, and ultimate redemption.

The Brink of Tomorrow is metaphysical fiction at its best. ... Read more