It may sound absurd, but this book actually exists, and it is so haunting that people believe it possesses a deadly power. The book is titled Shadows From The Walls Of Death.
Revealing the Origin of the Book
Shadows From The Walls Of Death is a book filled with mysterious and eerie legends. It was published in 1874 by Dr. Robert C. Kedzie, a Union surgeon during the American Civil War and later a professor of chemistry at Michigan State Agricultural College.
The content of this book is entirely different from the text-heavy books we are accustomed to; instead, it contains samples of wallpaper laden with arsenic (more commonly known as arsenic trioxide).
This book was published to raise awareness about the dangers of arsenic-based pigments used in wall coverings during the Victorian era.
Shadows From The Walls Of Death, printed in 1874, is noteworthy for two reasons: its rarity and the rumors that touching it could be fatal. It contains fewer than one hundred wallpaper samples, each embedded with levels of arsenic that pose potential dangers.
The origins of the book began with Kedzie’s research into the harmful effects of arsenic and his desire to illuminate the hidden dangers in seemingly harmless home decorations.
With meticulous detail, Kedzie compiled actual wallpaper samples containing high arsenic content and bound them into the pages of the book. Each page is coated with a protective glossy layer to prevent the toxins from spreading.
Although Shadows From The Walls Of Death aims to inform the public about the potential risks associated with arsenic, over time, the book became infamous and was thought to be cursed—a deadly artifact capable of taking the lives of those who dared to read it.
Despite being a deadly poison, arsenic can be mixed with copper to create vibrant paints and pigments, the most popular being Scheele’s Green or Paris Green.
The Haunting Effect
Stories surrounding Shadows From The Walls Of Death revolve around the belief that contact with its pages can be lethal. The wallpaper samples containing arsenic are said to emit toxic fumes, causing severe health complications for anyone in proximity.
It is believed that simply opening the book or inhaling the scent from its pages could lead to illness, respiratory issues, or even death.
There are numerous accounts of readers experiencing sudden illnesses, strange symptoms, and unexplained deaths after reading Shadows From The Walls Of Death. Although these stories are unverified, they have contributed to the book’s haunting reputation.
Two copies of this special book have been sent to Harvard Medical School and the U.S. National Library of Medicine, where they have been fully digitized.
However, it is important to approach these stories with skepticism. The scientific community is still widely debating the actual lethality of the book.
While arsenic is undeniably toxic, the concentration in the wallpaper samples may not pose an immediate threat to readers. Nonetheless, the fear surrounding Shadows From The Walls Of Death persists, enveloping it in an atmosphere of foreboding and caution.
Original cover of Shadows From The Walls Of Death.
Despite the potential risks, Shadows From The Walls Of Death has become a coveted item among collectors, rare book enthusiasts, and those drawn to the macabre.
The allure of owning such a rare and notorious book, combined with the thrill of danger, has led many to seek it out. As a result, copies of the book have been published and sold at high prices in the antiques market.
Additionally, Shadows From The Walls Of Death has become a cultural icon, appearing in realms such as horror literature, folklore, and popular culture. It has inspired fictional works and has been referenced in films, television shows, and music.
Due to the hazardous levels of arsenic in the work, currently only 5 of the original 100 copies remain. Most copies were destroyed by libraries in the past.
Separating Fact from Fiction
The legends surrounding Shadows From The Walls Of Death have persisted for decades, but it is essential to distinguish fact from fiction. Although the book contains actual wallpaper samples with arsenic, the real risks associated with reading it remain a topic of debate. The scientific community emphasizes that proper handling and precautions can mitigate any potential harm.
The story of Shadows From The Walls Of Death serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that once lurked in seemingly harmless aspects of our everyday lives. It represents a historical artifact that sheds light on the use of hazardous materials and the importance of informed choices in design and production.
