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1 of 253523 objects
Anthropometamorphosis : man transform'd, or, The artificiall changling historically presented ... 1653
18.5 x 3.5 cm (book measurement (inventory)) | RCIN 1090854
John Bulwer (1606-56)
Anthropometamorphosis : man transform'd, or, The artificiall changling historically presented . . 1653
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First printed in 1650, with a second edition following in 1653, Anthrometamorphosis: the man transform’d or, the artificiall changeling is one of the first books on body art and bodily mutilation.
Based on a mix of practical research and stories from others, the book purports to describe the methods used by people around the world to amend their appearance, from tattooing and body painting to piercing, scarification and artificial cranial deformation (head binding). It was among the most popular of Bulwer’s various works on the human body and was copiously illustrated with woodcuts. The text was coloured by Bulwer’s own opinions on body art, viewing it as a disfigurement of the perfect body created by God.
An appendix to the work, entitled ‘The English Gallant’ looked at English fashions and how they had been influenced by customs from around the world.Provenance
Acquired by William IV, 1830-37
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Creator(s)
(publisher)Acquirer(s)
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Measurements
18.5 x 3.5 cm (book measurement (inventory))
Alternative title(s)
Anthropometamorphosis : Man Transform'd, or, the Artifciall changeling Historically presented, In the mad and cruell Gallantry, foolish Bravery, ridiculous Beauty, filthy Finenesse, and loathsome Loveliness of most Nations, fashioning and altering their Bodies from the mould intended by Nature ; with Figures of those Transformations. To which artificiall and affected Deformations are added, all the Native and National Monstrosities that have appeared to disfigure Humane Fabrick. With a Vindication of the Regular Beauty and Honesty of Nature. And and Appendix of the Pedigree of the English Gallant / Scripsit J.B. Cognomento Chirosophus MD
