Customer Reviews

The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity

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24 years ago I first encountered Joseph Merrick in a book of freaks. I was so touched I sought books about him. This one was all my library offered. I checked it out so much they gave it to me! To this day this book is the thing I would grab in a house fire. I couldn't begin to tell you of the depth of beauty of Joseph's soul or of the impact he's made in my life. I was thrilled when they started making movies about him and new books came out. If there was a Joseph Merrick fan club, I would definately be president. When I die and see Joseph in heaven, I'll be glad. I wish all people could be a precious as he.

Anthropologist Ashley Montagu's moving study of the now famous Elephant Man, Joseph Merrick. Based on the writings of Dr. Frederick Treves and the casts and photos of Mr. Merrick, Montagu tells the sad story of a boy who lived a horrible life due to his terrible dieases which grew progressively worse as he aged. Merrick frightened off practically everyone he came in contact with, while eventually settling in as a sideshow freak at traveling carnivals. Eventually being so disfigured and horrible, the bobbies would not even allow the show to go on. Dr. Treves, who discovers Merrick takes him in to his hospital to stay for the rest of his life which was a turning point, as now he would be looked on as a human, and not as a monster. More story than analysis of Merrick's disfigurment, however, leads one to realize the care that Montagu has placed in this tale. This book has also inspired a play, as well as David Lynch's film 'The Elephant Man' which I believe is a good adaptation. The movie puts a moral spin asking whether John Merrick's position as a carnival freak has not changed being in a hospital. That is, is Dr. Treves a carnival barker for the public media rather than for a small crowd paying to watch the traveling band of human curiosities. Montague did not comment on this point of view for he kept Merrick's dignity in tact. Also included are the original writings of Dr. Treve's as well as a few other papers on the Elephant Man at the time of his death.

When I was about eiight years old, I saw the the film "The Elephant Man" for the first time. I wondered if Joseph (called John) Merrick would look anything like Rocky Dennis had in the film "Mask," starring Eric Stoltz. He didn't look like Rocky Dennis. He looked worse. Much worse. I sat there with my jaw dropped- and to think, I was only seeing actor John Hurt under an incredibly real make-up job done by make-up artist Christopher Tucker! When I was older, I saw the film again, and learned this time that during the filming of the movie, actor John Hurt's scenes could only be shot on alternate days because once he was in complete make-up (with its various foam rubber appliances, etc.), the whole thing was so heavy that he was unable to eat or even lie down. American Movie Classics spokesman Bob Dorian pointed out that this could give all of us an idea of the terible suffering the real John Merrick had to endure. Well, I had to read the book! In my opinion, it is quite simply an incredible story! John Merrick lived in England during the last years of the Victorian Era (late 1800's) Though he was deformed at birth, the true depth of his rare and mysterious disorder (Neuro-fibro-meiosis) did not become evident until he got older. After the death of his mother, his father married their land-lady. Subjected to unbearrable taunting and teasing by his stepmother's children, and fearing he would be in trouble after losing use of his right hand, Merrick fled his home and was eventually forced to do hard labor in factories to earn a living. Somehow, he was eventually convinced to "sell himself" by appearing as an act in various carnival side shows. Under the control of his "master", a cruel and unbearrable man who beat and abused him severely, there seemed to be no way out for Merrick- until he came across Dr. Fredrick Treves. On a chance encounter, (or maybe it wasn't) Treves discovered Merrick and attepted to rescue him, though it would be several years and a marvelous turn of events before Merrick's life would change...... Author Ashley Montagu pays much detail to the various horific events that plague Merrick's life and probes the question of how he could've remained such a loving and gentle person in spite of everything. In response to this I will simply say that this is a rather spiritual story, which is something I enjoyed very much. I was also intrigued by the fact that Merrick lived at a time when there was considered to be "no hope" for individuals in situations such as his- which was rather unusual, regardless of the time period.

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.

The passing of time and the exposure of truth has corrected many utopic ideas we may have had about some individuals in history originally viewed as heroes. Joseph Merrick occupies a much deserved place in the sphere of true greatness that has room for only a few. Parents, teachers, preachers, if you are looking for an example to hold up before your children, then introduce them to Merrick, the "Elephant Man." One glimpse of the greatness of this man's spirit will expose in the reader either faith or foolishness; there is no middle ground on which to stand in Merrick's story. Our society's self-serving definition of "tolerance" is blown to the winds in light of this man's life and death.

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.

First of all I have to say that any book on Joseph Merrick is worth reading. Joseph was the kind of guy we should all look up to,we should all try and relate to, and we should all wan't to learn about otherwise his courage,inner beauty knowledge and sensitivity will be forgotten or worse thought of as unimportant. He was a man who I think wasn't given the love he deserved-afterall he showed an entire society that beauty isn't everything it's what's inside that count's. Joseph Merrick has inspired me in ways I cant even describe he is like some prince out a fairytale even more handsome but only seen through something clearer than your eyes but your heart. Furthurmore having been called "The Elephant Man" was an insult to his intelegance as well as to those who called him so-think about it.

I was truly mesmorized by the depth of compassion that Montagu expressed. It is pleasant to read an author that tackles society's real issues. Bravo again Ashley !!!

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.

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.