A book bound in human skin dating back to 1682, described as a “unicorn” in the rare book market, was presented at the New York International Antique Book Fair on Thursday (4), promoted by the Antique Book Dealers Association of America (ABAA).
Lux Mentis bookseller, Ian Kahn, revealed the intriguing story of the book that is now on sale for US$45,000, the equivalent of almost R$230,000.
“[O livro] it was bound in 1682 by a young man studying medicine in Paris,” he said. “He was Spanish and didn’t know anyone. He went to see a play called 'Le Baron', which he liked so much that he bought a copy on sheets of paper.”
Medical student Jacopo X later found the play's actress on his autopsy table. He decided to bind the book with a part of her skin to prevent it from being lost forever in a mass grave.
“The only way you would end up in an autopsy room in 1682 is if your body went unclaimed,” Kahn said. “He took it upon himself to take a section of her back, process it into parchment and bind it in the place where she probably last performed: her skin.”
The book was passed down through Jacopo X's family, and eventually reached Kahn through current owner Riccardo X.
“In fact, it came to me with a note that said, 'Dear Mr. Kahn, My family has had a book bound in human skin since my ancestor bound it in 1682. We decided it should come to market and we were told we should come in. in touch with you,' which, I have to admit, was probably the best email I've ever received in my life,” he said.
The 64th edition of the International Vintage Book Fair will be held at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City from April 4 to 7, coinciding with ABAA's 75th anniversary.
Source: CNN Brasil
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