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A review by eyeowna
Dark Archives: A Librarian's Investigation Into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom
informative
medium-paced
3.75
This is less the grisly and sensational narrative about books bound in human skin that I thought it was going to be and more a thoughtful examination of human remains, medical history and ethics, the history and evolution of doctor-patient relationships (and the lack of / importance of consent in medical experimentation throughout history), and the role and importance of libraries and museums’ as stewards of history in all its darkness. In short, for human skin bound (anthropodermic) books, think less occultists and more doctors who have access to corpses and an interest in the prestige of rare book collecting.
The ethics of this topic are gnarly but, as of right now, I found Rosenbloom’s moments of geeking out about rare books charming (that’s why I wanted to read this book in the first place). On a reread or further thinking/research, I might find myself debating some of Rosenbloom’s stance. Still, I thought she did a good job of explaining the ethical questions and debate surrounding anthropodermic books and where she lands in that discourse.
Some of this book was slow to get through for me. The different narratives and their connection to the anthropodermic books sometimes felt meandering. It picked up at about 50%, especially since I switched to the audiobook. If you go along for the ride willing to learn about medical history and other things related to anthropodermic books (such as the practice of criminal’s bodies being donated to physicians for dissection in England at one stage), then you’ll have a good time.
The ethics of this topic are gnarly but, as of right now, I found Rosenbloom’s moments of geeking out about rare books charming (that’s why I wanted to read this book in the first place). On a reread or further thinking/research, I might find myself debating some of Rosenbloom’s stance. Still, I thought she did a good job of explaining the ethical questions and debate surrounding anthropodermic books and where she lands in that discourse.
Some of this book was slow to get through for me. The different narratives and their connection to the anthropodermic books sometimes felt meandering. It picked up at about 50%, especially since I switched to the audiobook. If you go along for the ride willing to learn about medical history and other things related to anthropodermic books (such as the practice of criminal’s bodies being donated to physicians for dissection in England at one stage), then you’ll have a good time.