The Resurrectionists

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A collection of broadsides, ballads, pamphlets, prints, and more concerning the body-snatchers and murderers William Burke and William Hare, their accomplices, and their victims.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, intense anatomical study, with direct observation of dissection of human cadavers, was an integral part of medical training at Europe's leading medical schools. Educating doctors produced a demand for human bodies that quickly outstripped the supply. In the United Kingdom prior to 1832, where executed criminals were the primary legitimate source for cadavers, a bustling trade in bodies developed, with grave robbers, or "Resurrection Men," supplying the anatomists with illegal, but much-needed specimens.

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12. Jamie Wilson's mother's dream
12. Jamie Wilson's mother's dream
Illustrated mounted broadside poem. At head of title is an illustration of an American eagle with the inscription "E. Pluribus Unum," and below that is an illustration of Daft Jamie in a coffin. There is also an introductory poem above the title. At bottom of sheet is a note advertising the second edition of "A laconic narrative of the life and death of James Wilson."
13. Lines supposed to have been written by Mrs. Wilson, Daft Jamie's mother, on ascertaining the way and manner her son had been basely murdered in the West Port, by William Burke and William Hare
13. Lines supposed to have been written by Mrs. Wilson, Daft Jamie's mother, on ascertaining the way and manner her son had been basely murdered in the West Port, by William Burke and William Hare
Cut and mounted ballad. At bottom is note advertising the first edition of the chapbook "A laconic narrative of the life and death of James Wilson."
14. Life and transactions of the murderer Burke, and his associates
14. Life and transactions of the murderer Burke, and his associates
Illustrated broadside giving an account of the trial of William Burke. Includes a biographical sketch of Burke.
15. Subscription for the benefit of James Gray and his wife : a letter to the editor of the Caledonian Mercury
15. Subscription for the benefit of James Gray and his wife : a letter to the editor of the Caledonian Mercury
Letter signed "Candidus." An appeal for donors to sign the subscription books and donate sums of money to the aid of James Gray and his wife, dated "Edinburgh, 15th January, 1829." With an advertisment for "a full and correct report of the trial of Burke and M'Dougal." Advertisement is dated "22 January, 1829." Printed on the recto and verso of a single leaf.
16. William Burke's confession
16. William Burke's confession
Illustrated ballad. Mounted.
17. Confessions, lamentations, & reflections of William Burke, late of Portsburgh, who is to be executed at Edinburgh, on the 28th January, 1829, for murder, and his body given for public dissection
17. Confessions, lamentations, & reflections of William Burke, late of Portsburgh, who is to be executed at Edinburgh, on the 28th January, 1829, for murder, and his body given for public dissection
Ballad, illustrated. Cut and mounted.
18. Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer, who supplied Dr. Knox with subjects
18. Execution of the notorious William Burke the murderer, who supplied Dr. Knox with subjects
Engraved print.
19. Execution : a full and true account of the last speech and dying declaration of William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh this morning, for murder, and his body given for dissection ...
19. Execution : a full and true account of the last speech and dying declaration of William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh this morning, for murder, and his body given for dissection ...
Illustrated broadside. Cut and mounted.
20. William Burk's execution
20. William Burk's execution
Illustrated ballad, mounted.
21. Mansie Waugh's dream, concerning the execution of Burke : part first
21. Mansie Waugh's dream, concerning the execution of Burke : part first
22. Mansie Waugh's dream, concerning the execution of Burke : part second
22. Mansie Waugh's dream, concerning the execution of Burke : part second
23. Elegy on William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh, Jan. 28, 1829.
23. Elegy on William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh, Jan. 28, 1829.
Illustrated ballad. Cut and mounted.

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