Dinner with a Cannibal: The Complete History of Mankind's Oldest Taboo

Carole A. Travis-Henikoff

ISBN 10: 1595800301 / ISBN 13: 9781595800305

Published by Santa Monica Press, 2008

About this Item

331 pages. Foreword by Christy G. Turner. 8vo, red patterned paper over boards with gilt lettering on spine, one corner bumped, otherwise practically no wear, pages bright, in unclipped, crisp DJ. Inscribed by author to Prof. Ann E. Berthoff on half-title, AEB's notes in pencil observed on approximately five pages. Seller Inventory # AEB-350

Bibliographic Details

Title: Dinner with a Cannibal: The Complete History...

Publisher: Santa Monica Press

Publication Date: 2008

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

In this thorough examination of human cannibalism, a palaeoanthropologist analyses the evidence, from ancient fossils to recent genetic findings, that marks us all as descendants of cannibals. Investigating when and why humans have eaten their own kind, she identifies cannibalism as an ancient, natural strategy used by early humans to survive periods of food scarcity, but also considers the religious and culinary contexts in which it has been practised in historical times.

Review:

" 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"

" 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"

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

Travis-Henikoff covers the phenomenon's many raisons d'etre, from survival to politically motivated terror. . . . The book's range is impressive. Highly recommended for public libraries." --Library Journal