Sign-In
Cart
The History of Cannibalism: Ritual, Survival, and Myth
Paperback
Series: History
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Dec 19 2024
Pages: 196
Weight: 0.59
Height: 0.42 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Why does nearly every culture on earth have stories about eating human flesh? This book takes on one of humanity's oldest and most uncomfortable subjects, not as shock material, but as a serious look at how cannibalism has shaped empires, fueled propaganda, and haunted human history from the Stone Age to the modern era.
From Aztec ritual consumption to the desperate choices made on lifeboats and in besieged cities, from witch trial confessions of infant cannibalism to colonial powers labeling entire peoples as man-eaters to justify slavery, this book traces the subject across cultures and centuries. It draws on forensic evidence, diaries, court records, and anthropological research to separate what actually happened from what was invented, exaggerated, or weaponized. The result is a book that treats its subject with both honesty and empathy, never reducing it to horror for its own sake.
What's inside:
- Sacred and survival cannibalism: Aztec rituals reframed as Spanish propaganda, Andean famine, the Donner Party, and what the diaries actually reveal
- Cannibalism as a colonial weapon: how labeling the Caribs and Fijians as man-eaters justified enslavement, and who pushed back against the lie
- Witch trials and forced confessions: the tortured admissions of infant cannibalism that sent thousands to the stake
- Forensic archaeology: what Neanderthal bone cuts tell us about whether ancient cannibalism was ritual, survival, or something else entirely
- Modern myths: psychiatric Wendigo misdiagnoses, media-invented cannibal tribes, and how the Catholic Eucharist was used to accuse and be accused
Reader review:
This is the first book I've read on the topic that treats it as a human phenomenon rather than just a collection of horror stories. The section on famine cannibalism during the siege of Leningrad was devastating, especially set against how it was used as propaganda. Thoroughly researched and surprisingly compassionate. Recommended for anyone interested in anthropology or colonial history. Dr. Lena Almeida
This book won't let you look at the word civilization quite the same way again. It's written for readers who want the real story, forensic evidence, historical context, and all, without flinching but also without sensationalism.
Order your copy today.
1 different editions
Also available
Also from
Auke
Scary Ancient Greek History Facts: Nightmares from the Hellenic World
Joseph, Jennifer
Auke
Fathy, Yahia
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Nonfiction
Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts
Sandford, Maggie Ryan
Hardcover
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free: Adult Coloring Book with 31 Designs Flowers, Mandalas & Nature Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound Gift for A
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Learn, Practice, and Improve
Briggs, Missy
Paperback
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Gray Smith, Monique
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Paperback
GED Test Prep Plus, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 60+ Online Videos
Van Slyke, Caren
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
GED Test Prep, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 40+ Online Videos
Van Slyke, Caren
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Forest (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice: A Teen Girl's Guide to Unlearning the Rules
Walker, Meredith
Paperback
Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Whitehead, Cindy
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Ocean Treasures (13 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
Yousafzai, Malala
Paperback
The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook: 60 Simple Step-By-Step Recipes
Schotland, Marlynn Jayme
Paperback
Color & Frame - Ocean Treasures (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Combs, Alex L.
Eakett, Andrew
Paperback
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)
Noah, Trevor
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in One Big Fat Notebook
Wang, Jason
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Stealing Saint Nick: A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories That Shape the World
Anderson, M. T.
Hardcover
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Hardcover
SAT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice and Video Lessons
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning
Reynolds, Jason
Kendi, Ibram X.
Paperback
Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform
Banzi, Massimo
Shiloh, Michael
Paperback
I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond
Burkholder, Steve
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Flowers (28 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Teens: Reduce Anxiety, Increase Focus, and Spark Creativity
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Biology in One Big Fat Notebook
Brown, Matthew
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Faa-H-8083-25c
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number: Butterflies - Stress-Free Adult Coloring Book with Tear-Out Pages Relaxing Activity for Paint by Number Lovers Gift for
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
Ganda, Martin
Alifirenka, Caitlin
Paperback
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Kiyosaki, Robert T.
Paperback
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
Rosenstock, Barb
Hardcover
The Big Fat High School Algebra 1 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 1 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
Needham, Christy
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Real Rosalind: The Truth about Rosalind Franklin's DNA Discovery and How It Was Erased
Fox, Janet
Dunn, Debbie Loren
Paperback
Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game
Shojaei, Maryam
Hardcover
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Garden (28 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Hippidoo
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Swanson, Jennifer
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Smile Every Day
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A Tale of a Service Animal: A Heartwarming Tale of Disability Awareness, Friendship, and Kindness (Large Print Edition)
DiVietri, Melissa A.
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History in One Big Fat Notebook, 2nd Edition: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls: Shine Bright as You Embrace Your Brain, Your Emotions, and Your Life
Roberts, Jamie D.
Paperback
The Case for Christ Student Edition: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Small Victories: A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
Basford, Johanna
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Paperback
Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates - A How to Draw Anime / Manga Step by Step Book Series
Hart, Christopher
Paperback
Color & Frame - Country Gardens (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance
Chatzky, Jean
Tuggle, Kathryn
Paperback
99 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (Revised and Updated)
Jenkins, Steven
Stalder, Erika
Villas, Evan
Paperback
Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
Danziger, Brigid
Giraffe, Math
Paperback
So, It's Your First Job: A Quick-Ish Guide to Navigating the Working World
Orozco-Onyskin, Mari
Paperback
Crochet for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and Patterns
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paperback
An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System
Parrott-Ryan, Maria
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 2 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books Gift Set for Kids
Wonder House Books
Hardcover
Lana del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
Color & Frame - 3 Books in 1 - Animals, Seasons, Inspiration (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Integers and Order of Operations Math Workbook 6th to 8th Grade: Middle School Integers Workbook, PEMDAS
Publishing, Mathflare
Paperback
Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures
Gibson, Karen Bush
Paperback
The Graduation Guidebook: What Every Student Needs to Know About Money and Life
Nermoe, Kathryn
Paperback
The Audhd Teen Survival Guide: Develop Self-Knowledge, Confidence, and Thrive as an Audhder!
Ali, Sonia
Paperback
Rebel Girls Make Dessert: Kid-Tested Recipes You Can Make, Bake, and Share!
Rebel Girls Inc
Paperback
The Ultimate Activity Book for Teens: Crosswords, Cryptograms, Trivia, and More!
Deneen, Valerie
Paperback
72 Prácticas Estoicas: Guía práctica de estoicismo para pensar con claridad y sufrir menos
Guerrero, Moisés
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number - Large Print: Patterns (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A 5 Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries - a Compassionate but Honest Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Dunn Buron, Kari
Paperback
Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won (and How You Can Too)
Ellis, Renee
Gupta, Edha
Ellis, Christina
Paperback
Sabrina Carpenter: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of a Pop Princess
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
The Easy Drawing Book for Teens: 20 Step-By-Step Projects to Improve Your Drawing Skills
Rizza, Angela
Paperback
Niv, Bible for Teens, Thinline Edition, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
Zondervan
Hardcover
Preteen Devotional for Girls: 52 Weeks of Encouraging Devotions and Scripture for Tweens
Rust, Brittany
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 8th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Garden (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Color & Frame - By the Sea: Adult Coloring Book with Ocean Designs - Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Case for Faith Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Horne, Moses
Horne, Troy
Paperback
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover