Harvard discovers three of its library books are bound in human flesh

[roo_ster]

https://roadtrippers.com/blog/harvard-discovers-three-of-its-library-books-are-bound-in-human-flesh

There's something undeniably creepy about big, expansive libraries. The hushed whispers, the almost artificial quiet, and the smell of dusty tomes combine to create a surreal experience. But when it comes to creepy libraries, Harvard University might take the cake... you see, at least two of its books are bound in human skin.

A few years ago, three separate books were discovered in Harvard University's library that had particularly strange-looking leather covers. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the smooth binding was actually human flesh... in one case, skin allegedly harvested from a man who was flayed alive. Yep, definitely the creepiest library ever.

Creepy, yet intriguing.

‘the bynding of this booke is all that remains of my dear friende Jonas Wright, who was flayed alive by the Wavuma on the Fourth Day of August, 1632. King Mbesa did give me the book, it being one of poore Jonas chiefe possessions, together with ample of his skin to bynd it. Requiescat in pace.’

If I am ever flayed by savages, I hereby grant permission to use my skin to bind a book.  Nothing by HP Lovecraft, though. 

[vaskidmark]

Except that it turns out the book's binding was a combination of cow & pig collegen.  Contents must be something Hindus and Moslems aren't supposed to read?

stay safe.

[zahc]

Doesn't "flesh" mean "meat"? I don't think I would use that word to describe skin.

[Perd Hapley]

Doesn't "flesh" mean "meat"? I don't think I would use that word to describe skin.

"Flesh" can also refer to the body, generally, as in the dichotomy between the spirit and the flesh.

[just Warren]

Mean Paula Deen is in her basement cackling "amateurs!"