List of books bound in human skin

List of Books Bound in Human Skin

The practice of binding books in human skin, known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, is a rare and controversial aspect of bookbinding history. This article provides a comprehensive list of known books that have been confirmed or alleged to be bound in human skin, along with relevant historical context and ethical considerations.

Historical Context

Anthropodermic bibliopegy has been documented since the 17th century, often surrounded by myths and speculation. Initially, such bindings were associated with the bodies of executed criminals, medical dissections, or individuals who willed their skin for this purpose. The practice has been met with a mix of fascination and horror, raising significant ethical and moral questions.

Confirmed Cases

Several institutions have conducted scientific tests, such as peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF), to confirm the human origin of the skin used in certain bindings. Notable examples include:

• The Anatomy of the Human Body by William Harvey (1653) - The College of Physicians of Philadelphia holds this book, confirmed through PMF to be bound in human skin.
• De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Andreas Vesalius (1543) - A copy in the Brown University library was confirmed to be bound in human skin.
• Narrative of the Life of James Allen (1837) - Known as the "Highwayman's Book," it is kept at the Boston Athenæum and is one of the most famous examples.

Alleged Cases

There are numerous books whose bindings have been rumored to be of human origin, but lack scientific confirmation. These include:

• Justine et Juliette by the Marquis de Sade - Allegedly bound in human skin, but no scientific evidence has been provided to confirm this claim.
• Various books in the collection of Henry Wellcome - The Wellcome Library in London holds several books rumored to be bound in human skin, though none have been confirmed.

Ethical Considerations

The practice of anthropodermic bibliopegy raises profound ethical issues, including consent, the treatment of human remains, and the commodification of the body. Modern sensibilities and legal frameworks generally condemn the practice, and confirmed examples are treated with great sensitivity by the institutions that hold them.

See Also

• Bookbinding
• Human skin
• Medical ethics