A Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title for 2008
"Travis-Henikoff covers the phenomenon's many raisons d'être, from survival to politically motivated terror. . . . The book's range is impressive. Highly recommended for public libraries." —Library Journal
"Travis-Henikoff's lively and sometimes amusing anthropophagic romp shows that starvation and cultural patterns are often strong enough to counter moral taboos." —College and Resource Library News
“A careful and scholarly look at cannibalism, filled with humor, history, and fascinating facts; a totally delectable delight to read.” —Ralph L. Holloway, professor of anthropology, Columbia University
“A fascinating history of the role cannibalism has played in the evolution of man.” —Alan R. Kahn, author, Mind Shapes: Understanding the Differences in Thinking and Communication
"Covers the subject of cannibalism with amazing thoroughness as it passes through seldom-opened doors to disclose the underpinnings of our humanity." —Garniss Curtis, professor emeritus of geology, University of California–Berkeley
"If we are to ultimately fashion a real image of ourselves, not as fallen angels but as risen apes, this book will serve as an essential step in that direction." —Alan Mann, professor of anthropology, Princeton University
"Exceptionally well researched and beautifully written. Our notion of exotic food may never be the same." —Alan Almquist, professor emeritus of anthropology, California State University–East Bay
"Brings together knowledgeable speculation and fascinating detail, combining discoveries of others with her own experience, theories, and explorations." —Ann E. Berthoff, professor emerita of English, University of Massachusetts–Boston
"Fascinating, fact and history-filled read that speaks to many of the societal problems we are facing today." —Gary Sojka, professor of biology and former president, Bucknell University
Presenting the history of cannibalism in concert with human evolution, this account takes readers on an astonishing trip around the world and throughout history, painting the incredible, multifaceted realities of cannibalism. Focusing on how cannibalism began with the human species and how it has become an unspeakable taboo today, this study answers questions such as Where, when, and how did shame and secrecy become connected with cannibalism? Why did some cannibals consume their enemies while others consumed their dead relatives? Did the eating of human flesh make them crazy? and What does it taste like? With careful anthropological and archaeological analysis and the telling of fascinating stories from around the world, this remarkable resource also includes details on the most famous real-life instances of cannibalism—including the Alive! incident in the Andes and the German Butcher of Hannover—and facts on infamous fictional cannibals such as Hannibal Lecter.
Carole A. Travis-Henikoff is an author, businesswoman, rancher, and scholar specializing in paleoanthropology. She is on the board of directors for the Stone Age Institute and is a charter member of the Paleoanthropology Society. She lives in Chicago. Christy G. Turner II is Regents’ Professor of anthropology at Arizona State University. He is the author of The Anthropology of Modern Human Teeth and Man Corn: Cannibalism and Violence in the Prehistoric American Southwest. He lives in Tempe, Arizona.
Social Science
360 pages, Cloth, 6 x 9
Distribution Rights: US & CA
$24.95 (CAN $27.95)
9781595800305 (1595800301) Pub Date: March 2008
Santa Monica Press