A book bound in human skin has been discovered

A sensational discovery has been made at the Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk, England) - a rare book bound in human skin, presumably belonging to William Corder, one of the most notorious murderers in British history.

The unique copy, dedicated to the high-profile murder of Maria Marten in 1827, was accidentally found on a shelf in the museum office. Unlike the previously known copy, which was completely covered in human skin, the new find has leather inserts only on the spine and corners. Visual comparison of the material of both books indicates their identity, which significantly strengthens the version of their common origin.

The story of William Corder shocked British society in the 19th century. The criminal was convicted of murdering Maria Marten, whose body was discovered in the Red Barn after her stepmother reported disturbing dreams pointing to the burial site. Corder was arrested in London, tried in Bury St Edmunds, and publicly hanged in 1828. The execution drew a huge crowd of 7,000 to 20,000 spectators. After the execution, the criminal's body was anatomized, and his skin was used to bind the report of the murder - a practice shocking to modern people.

This find sheds new light on the grim customs of the 19th century, when items intended for public viewing or practical use were made from the bodies of executed criminals. Such artifacts make one think about the ethical norms of that time and the radical change in society's attitude toward human remains.

The Moyse's Hall Museum plans to conduct comprehensive research to definitively confirm the origin of the skin and restore the complete history of the book. The discovery of this rare copy provides researchers with a unique opportunity to study historical practices and their influence on the formation of modern ethical standards.