Product Description

Through horrible physical deformities which were almost impossible to describe, Joseph Carey Merrick spent much of his life exhibited as a fairground freak until even 19th century sensibilities could take no more. Hounded, persecuted and starving, he ended up one day at Liverpool Street Station where he was rescued, housed and fed by the distinguished surgeon Frederick Treves. To Treve's 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. This is a moving story of a tragic individual and his survival against overwhelming odds in Victorian England.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87261 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 213 pages

Review
"'The authors have come up with a good deal of fresh evidence, both medical and sociological... To Howell and Ford, Merrick appeared a saintly figure. There is no reason to believe that judgement is wrong.' The Times 'Brilliantly researched' Sunday Telegraph 'A story to strike pity and terror into any heart.' Times Literary Supplement"

Customer Reviews

Beneath the rotting flesh lived a human being
A classic tale of life in Victorian England, where deformed people such as Joseph Merrick were cast aside. This is the heartbreaking true story behind the film, which inspired so many of us to re-evaluate our own imperfections.

Joseph Carey Merrick was born in Leicester, into Victorian standards that did not and could not tolerate the astounding abnormalities of his features. Cast aside by his father after his mother died, and Joseph's new stepmother (who could no longer accept him), he reluctantly and eventually ended up becoming the main attraction at the local fairs. He would show all his corrupting flesh for those who paid the entrance fee, listening to the gasps of horror from the audience, witnessing the women fainting from the horrendous sight before them. In time, Joseph would be saved from this degrading humiliation by an eminent doctor, who later came to realise that beneath the corrupting foul smelling flesh of Joseph Merrick's body lay a most humane person. For Joseph loved to read, enjoyed the theatre, had a thirst for knowledge, and above all asked for nothing more than to be accepted for a human being with feelings and emotions.

It is true to say that it would be hard for most people in today's society not to turn away from such a sight as Joseph, ambling along the street, covered from head to foot by cape and mask, unable to communicate effectively because the disease has made it virtually impossible for him to talk. But today's society has a greater understanding of the tragic "freaks of nature" as they were known, and this is what makes this true story so heartbreaking to try and understand today.

Joseph Merrick never asked for anything in his entire life, only maybe enough time for people to realise that underneath his gut wrenching exterior appearance, there lived a decent human being.

Tragedy, Honour and Human Spirit
I read this book as the story of the Elephant Man, Joseph Carey Merrick, has fascinated and terrified me since I was a child. What I read left me horrified and deeply touched. Beneath the horrifying exterior that blighted his life, Merrick was a true gentleman, with an extroadinarily childlike view of the world that so shunned him, who simply wished to be accepted and loved. Ironic then, that his 'saviour' Mr Treves, honourable as his intentions may have been, continued to 'show off' Merrick, making himself almost as bad as the Freak Show hosts of Merricks previous life.

This book is fantastic. Very tastefully written, and gives a great deal of insight to the man behind the legend. Read this and you will laugh, cry and shake with disgust at the atrocities that befell Merrick, and will forever hold the man in the highest regard for his strength of character and his almost unwavering spirit.

Not for the faint hearted, however, as there are graphic photo's of Merrick throughout his time at the London Hospital.

A masterpiece
Before reading this book I had very little knowledge of Joseph Merrick - only what I had heard and what I had assumed.

This book shows everything about Merrick from the loneliness that he felt, his love for the people around him, his spirit and compassion. It also shows his true feelings about being an exhibit in a freak show. What I found great about this book in particular is the detail that is spent focusing on the other people in Merrick's life (like Treves and Tom Norman). I found that to be one of the biggest bonuses of this book.

It is informative and heart breaking, and I for one couldn't put it down -it really is a masterpiece.
Plus the writings of both Treves and Merrick included at the end were a fantastic addition that made my experience even better than I had hoped for.

Having read this book I feel that I know so much about Merrick. I would sincerely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has even the slightest interest in Joseph Merrick!