This episode covers the true story of James Cook, a bookbinder who murdered tool engraver John Paas the town of Leicester, bookbinder James Cmurdered tool engraver John Paas over a dispute about brass finishing tools. The tale is particularly gruesome and well-documented because James Cook was the last person to be gibbeted in Britain. Then I interview contemporary bookbinder and tool maker Brien Beidler for some added perspective.
Tonight we have a true crime tale of a 19th century English bookbinder gone bad, the murder of tool maker John Paas by bookbinder James Cook. And then for some added perspective, I interview bookbinder and tool maker, (but not murderer) Brien Beidler.
Quick warning, this story is particularly gory, but I try not to be too gratuitous with details. Not only was the crime gruesome, but perhaps ironically the punishment for the crime was equally as appalling that amendments were made for ethical execution methods. If you listen to regular true crime podcasts, or unsolved mysteries, or the news, you’ll be fine.
Links:
Books in the Wild
Leicester Chronicle - James Cook
Untold Lives Blog - James Cook
Criminal Corpses - James Cook
Brien Beidler - Beidler Made
Cut the Craft Podcast
Coyote Bones Press
The Paper Carnival