A unicorn in the market, said bookseller Ian Kahn.
April 4 marked the celebration for the 64th Annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair held at Park Avenue Armory 643 Park Avenue, New York.
The book fair was intended to be a gathering of bibliophiles and book collectors looking for rare gems. And who would have thought that this year’s event will feature one of the most controversial pieces, similar to what Harvard recently disclosed: a book bound in human skin!
According to Lux Mentis bookseller, Ian Kahn, the book is set to a staggering price of $45,000.00! In Philippine peso conversion, the book would be at an estimated 2.5Million Pesos!
A Lover Of Theater Arts
Kahn discussed the history of the book and why it was bound by skin. According to the story given by the family who originally owned the book, it was from a medicine student in Paris who spent his time enjoying theater plays.
During the time the play “Le Baron” was staged in the 1600s, medicine student Jacopo X, became fond of the play to the point that he bought a copy of it in sheets. It was all good and normal, UNTIL the actress of the play died.
Her death was unknown but her deceased body arrived at the autopsy table of the student because it was unclaimed by any family member. Saddened by the fact that the talents and presence of the actress will forever be gone, the student decided to take matters into his own hands and make sure that the actress’s life will remain in this world.
“He decided to bind the book in a section of her skin to prevent her from being lost forever in a mass grave.”, said Khan. “He took a section of her back, processed it to parchment and bind, what is most likely the last play she performed in, in her skin.” he added during the interview with NST TV.
When asked about the price, Kahn remarked “It’s $45,000 and that’s because it’s a unicorn.”
The book stayed within the same family of the original binder and it came to Kahn with a note that said “Dear Mr. Khan, My family has had a book bound in human skin since our ancestors bound it in 1682. We’ve decided that it should come to market and was told we should contact you.”
If you have the capacity of spending 2.5 million Pesos, would you buy this rare book? Share your thoughts below.
