Some people have failed to embrace digital books because they lack that tectonic feel and book smell. Books have always been hollowed out and things stashed in it, from money to jewelry. If you were an assassin in the 17th century you might also hide the essential tools of the trade.
This cabinet is actually the real deal and not just a viral picture. It was initially offered for sale for 5200 euros via the German auction house Hermann Historica back in 2008. The auction catalog identified the book as a ‘poisoner’s cabinet’, and much of the press coverage centered on its potential as an assassin’s arsenal, but many of the plants included have, or were reputed to have curative as well as toxic properties.
At the very least, this would be an excellent conversation piece.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
