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Overview
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man, who has been a freak attraction in traveling side shows, is found abandoned and helpless and is admitted for observation to Whitechapel, a prestigious London hospital. Under the care of a famous young doctor, who educates him and introduces him to London society, Merrick changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati. But his belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realized.Editorials
Clive Barnes
The Elephant Man is great. A giant of a play. Wonderful, moving and purely theatrical. -- New York PostDouglas Watt
Ravishing theatre. Bernard Pomerance's writing is beautifully realized in all respects. -- NY Daily NewsRichard Eder
An enthralling and luminous play. Haunting, splendid... -- New York TimesT. E. Kalem
The Elephant Man is a moving drama. Lofted on poetic wings, it nests in the human heart. -- Time MagazineBook Details
Published
October 28, 1988
Publisher
New York : Grove Press : distributed by Random House, 1979.
Pages
71
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780394175393