The History of Cannibalism: Ritual

Cannibalism is one of the strongest taboos in human society, and yet its history is far more widespread and varied than the word suggests. This book examines cannibalism across human history, drawing on archaeology, anthropology, and historical records to distinguish between ritual cannibalism, survival cannibalism, and the exaggerated or false accusations that colonial powers used to justify conquest.

The book covers documented cases from prehistoric Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, as well as historical episodes of survival cannibalism in modern times. It also examines how the concept of cannibalism has been weaponized as propaganda and how anthropological understanding of the practice has changed significantly over the past century. It is a factual and analytically sound treatment of a subject that is often handled sensationally.

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Reader review: "A serious and well-researched book on a difficult subject. It separates fact from myth and the history is genuinely fascinating." -- P. Ashworth

This title belongs in anthropology, cultural history, and dark history sections. It suits academic booksellers, public libraries, and trade buyers with customers interested in the more unusual corners of human history.

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