Cannibalism by Bill Schutt Summary

Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History by zoologist Bill Schutt explores cannibalism across species, dispelling myths and examining its biological, social, and historical roles. Schutt analyzes animal behaviors—like tadpoles eating siblings—and human cases, including survival cannibalism (e.g., the Donner Party) and ritual practices (e.g., Christian Eucharist). The book blends science, humor, and anthropology to challenge taboos, arguing cannibalism is a natural survival strategy.

This book suits science enthusiasts, history buffs, and readers intrigued by taboo topics. Its accessible style appeals to those interested in evolutionary biology, anthropology, or dark humor. Schutt’s mix of rigorous research and witty storytelling makes it ideal for fans of Mary Roach or fans of morbid curiosities.

Yes—Schutt’s thorough research and engaging narrative make it a standout. The book balances scientific rigor with gripping anecdotes, from shark embryos consuming siblings to medieval European medicinal cannibalism. It’s praised for reframing cannibalism as a biologically normal behavior rather than a grotesque aberration.

Schutt highlights cannibalistic species like tadpoles (eating siblings to reduce competition), sand tiger sharks (embryos consuming each other in utero), and polar bears (eating cubs during food shortages). Overcrowding and stress often trigger these behaviors, revealing cannibalism’s role in population control and survival.

Yes—Schutt examines human cannibalism in contexts like survival (Donner Party), ritual (Christian Eucharist), and medicine (European use of human body parts as curatives). He debunks exaggerated historical accounts (e.g., Columbus’s depictions) while highlighting verified cases, such as the 1941 siege of Leningrad.

Some critics note the book’s anecdotal focus over deep analysis, particularly in human cases. However, Schutt’s goal is to normalize cannibalism biologically, not justify it ethically. The balance between humor and science may polarize readers seeking a strictly academic tone.

Key themes include cannibalism as a biological imperative (driven by starvation or overcrowding), its role in social hierarchies (e.g., black widow spiders), and how cultural taboos distort its prevalence. Schutt emphasizes that cannibalism is neither rare nor inherently aberrant in nature.

Schutt uncovers lesser-known practices, like 18th-century Europeans consuming human placenta as medicine and Chinese “corpse medicine” made from mummies. He also links Neanderthal extinction theories to cannibalism and details how climate change might increase cannibalistic behaviors in species.

Unlike sensationalized accounts, Schutt’s work uses zoological and historical evidence to normalize cannibalism. It’s closer to Mary Roach’s Stiff in tone, blending humor with science, but stands out for its cross-species analysis and debunking of colonial-era myths.

Bill Schutt is a zoologist, biology professor, and research associate at the American Museum of Natural History. His expertise in comparative anatomy and dark biological phenomena informs the book’s scientific credibility. He’s also authored Dark Banquet, exploring blood-feeding creatures.

The book analyzes infamous cases like the Donner Party (debunking myths about mass human consumption) and the 1941 Leningrad siege. Schutt also explores ritual cannibalism in Aztec culture and medicinal cannibalism in Renaissance Europe.

Schutt ties cannibalism to modern issues like climate change-induced resource scarcity, suggesting it may resurge in overcrowded or famine-stricken human populations. The book also critiques how “cannibal” labels have historically justified colonialism and dehumanization.