A History of Cannibalism

Written in a blisteringly honest, no-holds-barred style of narration, A History of Cannibalism investigates the three primary motives for cannibalism--desperation, duty, and desire--and presents startling evidence that challenges cultural and moral perceptions to break the oldest taboo in the Western world. This book offers fascinating insight into the forces that lie deep within the human psyche, such as how some societies view "duty cannibalism" as integral to existence, necessary, and socially acceptable; why humans turn to "desperation cannibalism" under extreme stress; and explains how men such as Albert Fish and Ed Gein practiced "desire cannibalism" for their own emotional and/or sexual gratification. A History of Cannibalism's multi-pronged approach uses material from complementary areas such as psychology, sociology, criminology, history, and anthropology to help readers understand a concept that is typically difficult, and uncomfortable, to comprehend.