12 Books Bound in Human Skin

The idea of books bound in human skin, also known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, may sound like something out of a horror movie, but it is a real practice that has occurred throughout history. While it is certainly a macabre subject, understanding the history and reasons behind the creation of these books can provide insight into the beliefs and values of the cultures that produced them. In this article, we will explore 12 books bound in human skin and the reasons behind their creation.

"Necronomicon"

This infamous book, supposedly written by the "Mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, has long been the subject of debate and speculation. One edition of the book, housed at the Widener Library at Harvard University, is rumored to be bound in human skin.

"The Dance of Death"

This 16th-century book, which features illustrations of Death dancing with people from all walks of life, was reportedly bound in the skin of a criminal who had been executed.

"Leather Bound Account Book"

This 19th-century account book, housed at the University of Cincinnati, is bound in the skin of a woman who had died of natural causes. The book is inscribed with the words, "The binding of this book is all that remains of my dear friend Jonas Wright, who was flayed alive by the Wavuma on the Fourth Day of August, 1632. King Mbesa did give me the book, it being one of poore Jonas chiefe possessions, together with ample of his skin to bynd it."

"De Humani Corporis Fabrica"

This influential anatomy book, written by Andreas Vesalius in the 16th century, was reportedly bound in the skin of a criminal who had been executed.

"A True and Faithful Relation"

This 17th-century book, written by occultist John Dee, was reportedly bound in the skin of a criminal who had been executed.

"The Highwayman's Prayer"

This 18th-century book, reportedly bound in the skin of the highwayman James Allen, contains his confession and prayers before his execution.

"The Confession of Thomas Cornell"

This 17th-century book, reportedly bound in the skin of the convicted murderer Thomas Cornell, contains his confession and account of his crime.

"The Black Museum"

This 19th-century book, housed at Scotland Yard's Crime Museum, is reportedly bound in the skin of an executed criminal.

"The Essenes of Eastern Pennsylvania"

This 20th-century book, written by anthropologist Frank Spencer, was reportedly bound in the skin of an anonymous male donor.

"Arsene Houssaye's "Des destinees de l'ame"

This 19th-century book, written by French author Arsene Houssaye, is reportedly bound in the skin of his friend who had promised to give him her skin after her death.

"The Anatomy of Melancholy"

This 17th-century book, written by Robert Burton, was reportedly bound in the skin of a patient who had died of melancholy.

"The Bibliophile's Delight"

This 19th-century book, written by Leon Gruel, is a collection of essays on bookbinding and reportedly contains a piece of skin from every bookbinder who had worked for Gruel.

While the idea of books bound in human skin may seem disturbing to modern sensibilities, the practice was not necessarily seen as unusual or taboo in the past. In many cases, the use of human skin was seen as a way to honor the deceased or as a way to memorialize a particularly notorious criminal. Additionally, the belief in the magical properties of human skin.