bbc.com
Museum to Display Book Bound in Murderer's Skin
A book bound in the skin of William Corder, the 1827 Red Barn Murderer, was recently found in a Suffolk museum office and will be displayed alongside another similar book; the museum asserts historical value, while others find it ethically questionable.
- What factors contributed to the book's rediscovery after decades, and what does this reveal about museum practices and cataloging?
- The discovery of the second book, overlooked for decades, highlights challenges in museum cataloging and raises ethical questions about displaying anthropodermic bibliopegy. This practice, common in the 19th century, involved using the skin of executed prisoners to bind books. Harvard University recently removed such a binding, but Moyse's Hall Museum will not.
- What are the immediate implications of displaying a book bound in human skin, considering both the historical context and potential public reaction?
- A book bound in the skin of William Corder, the murderer in the 1827 Red Barn Murder, has been found in a museum office and will be displayed alongside a similar item. The museum's heritage officer stated the books are historically important, while author Terry Deary called them "sickening artefacts.
- How might the display of these books influence future debates about the ethical curation of potentially offensive historical artifacts, and what alternative approaches might museums consider?
- The contrasting views on the books' display—one valuing historical significance, the other condemning their ethical implications—highlight a broader debate about the responsible curation of potentially offensive artifacts. Future discussions will likely involve reconsidering the display of items with ethically problematic origins, especially considering evolving societal values.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraph immediately highlight the sensational aspect of the discovery—a book bound in human skin. This framing emphasizes the novelty and intrigue, potentially overshadowing the ethical questions surrounding the display of such an item. The inclusion of Terry Deary's strong negative opinion adds further weight to the sensational aspect, setting a somewhat negative tone early in the piece. The museum's perspective is presented, but the overall framing leans towards emphasizing the historical significance over the ethical implications.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but terms like "sickening artifacts" (quoted from Terry Deary) and the repeated emphasis on the sensational nature of the discovery contribute to a slightly biased tone. While these are quoted opinions, the article's choice to prominently feature them influences the reader's perception. More neutral phrasing could have been used in the introduction, focusing on the historical significance and ethical considerations more evenly.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the discovery and display of the books, the opinions of those involved, and the historical context of the Red Barn Murder. However, it omits discussion of potential counterarguments to the ethical concerns raised by Terry Deary. While acknowledging space constraints is reasonable, exploring perspectives beyond the museum's defense would provide a more balanced view. The article also omits details on the process of determining the skin's origin and verification methods, which would strengthen its claims.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the debate as simply a choice between displaying the books or not. It largely ignores the possibility of alternative solutions, such as keeping the books in the collection but not displaying them publicly, or creating a more nuanced presentation with accompanying educational materials addressing the ethical concerns.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and display of the books highlight a historical crime and its consequences, promoting reflection on justice, punishment, and the ethical treatment of human remains. The books serve as a reminder of the past and the importance of fair legal processes. While the practice of anthropodermic bibliopegy is ethically questionable, the museum's decision to display the books within a historical context contributes to a broader conversation about justice and societal evolution.