Oncology, Genetics, Patient Narratives - General & Miscellaneous, Neurology
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Overview
Acclaimed author Frederick Drimmer presents an astonishing biography of Joseph Merrick -- a man so disfigured by the disease of neurofibromatosis his very appearance tests the capacity for kindness and understanding. It was a London freak show that gave Merrick the name of The Elephant Man and it was at the same freak show that he would meet his savior, London surgeon Frederick Treves. Constantly threatened by the harsh and violent conditions of Victorian England, Merrick was sure to spend his whole life exploited and alone if not for Treves' courage. Motivated by both scientific curiosity and an unrelenting drive to do what's right, Treves formed an unlikely alliance with Merrick. This is a story told at the extremes of good and evil. This is a story, told in language "containing a skillful balance of simplicity and insightful nuances," that is weird, daring and wonderful, making for one of the most brilliant books ever written about the human condition.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.
Synopsis
Acclaimed author Frederick Drimmer presents an astonishing biography of Joseph Merrick -- a man so disfigured by the disease of neurofibromatosis his very appearance tests the capacity for kindness and understanding. It was a London freak show that gave Merrick the name of The Elephant Man and it was at the same freak show that he would meet his savior, London surgeon Frederick Treves. Constantly threatened by the harsh and violent conditions of Victorian England, Merrick was sure to spend his whole life exploited and alone if not for Treves' courage. Motivated by both scientific curiosity and an unrelenting drive to do what's right, Treves formed an unlikely alliance with Merrick. This is a story told at the extremes of good and evil. This is a story, told in language "containing a skillful balance of simplicity and insightful nuances," that is weird, daring and wonderful, making for one of the most brilliant books ever written about the human condition.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.
Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up Joseph Merrick, who lived in England from 1862 to 1890, was afflicted by tumors of fibrous tissue which made him grossly deformed. Reduced to being placed in a dismal workhouse and later in a traveling freak show, Merrick was made to feel like an outcast because of his appearance. Rescued from his destitute state by a surgeon, Frederick Treves, Merrick was able to stay in rooms of the London Hospital. As well as looking after his economic welfare, Treves looked after Merrick's mental health by integrating him to a limited extent into a social life. Writing a successful biography for young people about the horrifying aspects of physical deformity is not an easy task, but Drimmer does it well, pacing the book so that it has interest and drama in every chapter. Drimmer's descriptions of Victorian England are authentic in detail and atmosphere. The drama of goodness and evil in people within a particular society is graphically and concisely conveyed within the framework of the lives of Merrick and Treves. The pain and happiness in Merrick's life are succinctly and dramatically brought out in relevant and emotionally charged scenes. Equally well displayed are Treves' kindness and integrity, so that he becomes as much of a hero as Merrick himself. Drimmer presents his facts superbly in language containing a skillful balance of simplicity and insightful nuances. After reading this book, young people should have a clearer understanding of what a person with a severe deformity faces. Extending such understanding are 14 black-and-white photos and drawings. These visuals aptly underscore the textual revelations of Merrick's terrible infermities. Hope Bridgewater, Halifax City Regional Library, Nova Scotia, CanadaBook Details
Published
October 20, 2011
Publisher
Garrett County Press
Pages
142
ISBN
9781891053535