-- Narrated in prose that is alternately concise and witty, lush and impressionistic, The Princess of 72nd Street tells the story of a struggling artist named Ellen who, subject to unexpected "radiances", becomes the free-spirited, anarchic Esmerelda, Princess of New York's Upper West Side. -- An accomplished artist and musician as well as a novelist, Elaine Kraf has been a recipient of many awards including two National Endowment for the Arts awards ('70 and '82). -- First published by New Directions ('79).