Dark Archives: A Librarian's Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin

In Dark Archives, Megan Rosenbloom explores the historic and scientific truths behind anthropodermic bibliopegy, the practice of binding books in human skin. She uncovers the origins of these books and the lives of the doctors, murderers, and indigents whose lives are sewn together in this disquieting collection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2021
Publisher: St Martin's Press

In the depths of the world's libraries and museums, nestled among the ordinary books bound in paper and leather, lie other volumes of a distinctly strange and grisly nature: those bound in human skin. Would you recognize one if you held it in your hand?

In her captivating book, Dark Archives, Megan Rosenbloom delves into the enigmatic world of anthropodermic bibliopegy, the practice of binding books in the most intimate of coverings. These extraordinary volumes exist in the world's most renowned libraries and museums, preserving the stories of a bygone era.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Rosenbloom uncovers the origins and the lives intertwined within this disquieting collection. She explores the tales of the doctors, murderers, and indigents whose lives are intricately woven into these books, shedding light on the myths surrounding their creation and grappling with the ethical implications of their custodianship.

Rosenbloom, a librarian and journalist, is a member of The Order of the Good Death, a community that fosters conversations, scholarship, and art about mortality and mourning. In Dark Archives, she weaves together a narrative that blends detective work, academic intrigue, history, and medical curiosity, creating a book as rare and thrilling as its subject matter.

This captivating and macabre exploration of the world of anthropodermic bibliopegy invites readers to delve into the depths of human history and the complexities of our shared humanity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest corners of our world, there are stories that continue to captivate and intrigue us, reminding us of the vast and fascinating tapestry of our existence.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 208 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250800169