The Elephant Man

by Frederick Drimmer

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

143 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 1985

Reviews

[Elijah Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is about Joesph Merrick, a man who suffered from the most extreme case of neurofibromas in history. His body was completely deformed, and this lead to all the horrible things Joesph Merrick (nicknamed The Elephant Man) had to endure through his short life of about 27 years. As legend it, when he was in the womb, his mother was nearly trampled by an elephant and this scare lead to the baby’s deformity. When Merrick was 7, his mother became ill and died. She was the only person besides his uncle, who actually cared about him. He was then abused by his stepmom and eventually kicked him out onto the street. With no money or food, he had no other option but to go to the workhouse. With his deformity, he had a hard time with almost any work. He survived 4 torturous years there, before being transferred to the circus. He travelled all around, performing at different shows. Eventually, his “owner” turned on him, stole his money and left. Joesph barely made it to a hospital before death. He was treated by Doctor Treves who cared for him in the hospital until his death 3 years later. Joesph Merrick was very popular around not only the London, but around the world. His death came as a tragedy and deeply saddened most of the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt as if I was reading a fiction book with how out there and incredible this story truly is. If you are looking for an inspirational story, a story about someone who defied all odds and persevered through adversity, read this book!

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this for my daughter and ended up reading it myself in a couple of days. This was a well-written, short, YA nonfiction book about Joseph Merrick, a man at the turn of the last century who was called The Elephant Man because of congenital physical deformities. There is a short photo section, including a picture of his skeleton, that is very helpful since it is difficult to try to picture Merrick.

His life is pieced together through documents, journals, and photos in a believable way. The writing is simple and geared to a younger audience. I feel inspired knowing about Merrick and his innate goodness and the compassion of many who helped him have some happy last years of life, including his friend Dr. Frederick Treves.

My high schooler also recommends this, since when he saw it around the house he picked it up out of curiosity and read it in a night.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am looking for more books for my eldest son that aren't just fiction and fluff. I found this on a book list for 6th graders. It was an interesting and not too difficult read, and in manys was very inspiring. I read it in a night. That being said, I will wait a couple years before I let my son read it. He is only 8, and there is much that is disturbing about genetic diseases. I would recommend it to kids 10 and up. The doctor was an amazing man, and what every doctor should aspire to be.

[Rick Bavera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fictionalized biography of John Carey Merrick (1862-90), who was called the Elephant Man because of disfiguration caused by neurofibromatosis.

This is a moving account of a young man who was an outcast in many ways because of (only because of) his appearance. The book makes Merrick come to life in a special way. It shows his feelings and humanity very well. The book does not "sensationalize" Merrick's life. There is a short photo section. The afterword tells about Merrick's disease, and how the author dealt with the writing of the book, and which parts a fact, which are fictionalized.

[Amanda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty good fictional biography. It was a quick read and flowed nicely. I think NF is something that more people need to know about. There are a significant number of forms this disease can take and it effects many people each year. This man is believed to have the most serious form of the disease in history, which I feel adds much gravity to the situation. I think the author did a great job in portraying this man's life: struggles and successes.

[JoAnne Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written account of a very interesting, and unfortunate life.
"Even the ugliest of us has some beauty in him." Page 27

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book! It was given to me by my mom at a very young age and it truly made me an empathetic person because of it. I cry every single time I reread it!