Elaine Kraf's 'The Princess of 72nd Street' Finally Published in UK
Elaine Kraf's posthumous novel, 'The Princess of 72nd Street,' has been released in the UK by Penguin, nearly 50 years after its initial US publication and 12 years following her passing. The book, set to be featured in the upcoming January-February 2025 edition of ArtReview, centers on Ellen, a New York City portrait artist who transforms into Princess Esmeralda during moments of enlightenment. This character navigates public displays of freedom, personal insecurities regarding her height, and marital challenges. Kraf characterized her final piece as a reflection on dreams and societal attitudes towards self-transformation.
Key facts
- Elaine Kraf's final novel 'The Princess of 72nd Street' published in UK by Penguin
- Originally published in US 46 years ago
- Author died 12 years ago
- Narrator Ellen has dual personality: Ellen and Princess Esmeralda
- Esmeralda emerges during psychotic episodes called 'radiance'
- Ellen is a portrait painter in New York City
- Book reviewed in ArtReview January & February 2025 issue
- Price: £9.99 (softcover)
Entities
Artists
- Elaine Kraf
Institutions
- Penguin
- ArtReview
Locations
- New York City
- West 72nd Street
- United Kingdom
- United States