This 160-Year-Old Poetry Book Is Made Out Of Hanged Murderer Skin

The book pictured above is a 160-year-old collection of poetry pieces created by Paradise Lost poet John Milton. Upon first look the 19th century collection looks like any standard bound book, however it was discovered that the poetry collection is actually bound in the skin of hanged murderer George Cudmore.

The 1852 edition features Cudmore’s skin after he was found guilty of killing his lover and hung. After being killed Cudmore’s body was sent to the Devon and Exeter Hospital where a piece of his skin was given to an Exeter bookseller by the name of Mr. W Clifford who used the skin to bind the book.

The book was recently donated to the Westcountry Studies Library in Exeter where it will be put on display as part of their crime and punishment exhibition.

[Hat Tip: DailyMail]