First edition, first printing. 224pp. Quarter bound in deep red cloth over tan cloth-covered boards, black lettering on front panel, gilt lettering on spine. 8vo. Boards are worn, rubbed at spine ends, one corner has minor mild and small nick in cloth on rear fore edge. Text block edges lightly toned. Previous owner's bookplate on front paste down; endpapers moderately spotted with some faint and occasional spotting on first and last few leaves. Square and robustly bound.
The book upon which the play, and subsequently the 1980 Elephant Man film, starring John Hurt and Antony Hopkins, was based. Treves (1863-1923), a surgeon was a leading authority on anatomy, crediting with saving the life of Edward VII. Treves became firm friends with John Merrick - the Elephant Man - and most of what is known of Merrick, his life and deformities, derives from Treves and his book, although Merrick's story is one of many which Treves recounts here.
