This study puts cannibalism into its social and historical perspective. Even in an age when almost nothing is sacred, numerous prohibitions surround the subject, and yet a dark fascination with the subject remains. Characters include Sweeny Todd, Jeffrey Dahmer, Armin Meiwes, and much to the pleasure of Boris Johnson the inhabitants of Papua New Guinea. All tastes are catered for in this hugely compelling book that is always vivacious but never salacious.