Cincinnati's "Old Cunny": A Notorious Purveyor of Human Flesh

"Cincinnati's 'Old Cunny': A Notorious Purveyor of Human Flesh" by Linden F. Edwards unveils the chilling story of William Cunningham, a 19th-century grave robber in Cincinnati. Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning medical field and lax laws, the book details Cunningham's audacious exploits as he procures bodies for medical colleges through any means necessary. The narrative vividly depicts his cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement, his interactions with a fearful yet complicit community, and his clever strategies for evading capture. The book recounts shocking anecdotes illustrating his boldness, and details his eventual demise, which ultimately results in the ultimate irony of his own corpse ending up on a medical slab. Through this exploration of Cunningham’s life, the historical account reveals the gruesome reality of body snatching and sparks reflection on the ethical dilemmas faced during a time when the pursuit of scientific knowledge clashed with societal norms and respect for the dead.