Narrative of the Life of James Allen
Encyclopedia
The Narrative of the Life of James Allen, alias Jonas Pierce, alias James H. York, alias Burley Grove, the Highwayman, Being His Death-bed Confession to the Warden of the Massachusetts State Prison is an autobiographical work by James Allen
. It is noteworthy in part for being an example of anthropodermic bibliopegy
(the practice of binding books in human skin), which was not unknown in its time.
The book was published in Boston
by Harrington and Co. in 1837; according to tales from Allen's family members the binder was not apparently aware of the materials he was using at the time of its binding.
Because of its age, the book is in the public domain and is freely available on the Internet.
The narrative is a combination of autobiography and confession, transcribed by the warden, as the author himself was unable to write.
James Allen (highwayman)
James Allen was a Massachusetts resident and highwayman in the early 19th century....
. It is noteworthy in part for being an example of anthropodermic bibliopegy
Anthropodermic bibliopegy
Anthropodermic bibliopegy is the practice of binding books in human skin. Though extremely uncommon in modern times, the technique dates back to at least the 17th century...
(the practice of binding books in human skin), which was not unknown in its time.
The book was published in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
by Harrington and Co. in 1837; according to tales from Allen's family members the binder was not apparently aware of the materials he was using at the time of its binding.
Because of its age, the book is in the public domain and is freely available on the Internet.
About the book
The front cover contains a title-plate which reads "HIC LIBER WALTONIS CUTIS COMPACTUS EST"; Walton was one of the author's aliases.The narrative is a combination of autobiography and confession, transcribed by the warden, as the author himself was unable to write.
External links
- Full text of the work plus commentary, via the Boston Athenaeum.