Includes bibliographical references, filmography and index.
Contents:
Foreword / by Mark Jancovich -- Introduction -- Part I. Mr, Cannibal Presume? The Colonial Cannibal: 1. No petticoats here-- early colonial cannibals: from Daniel Defoe to H. Rider Haggard; 2. Into the heart of darkness: Joseph Conrad's Heat of Darkness; 3. Off the beaten track? the post-conradian cannibal: from Graham Greene to Hollywood and the Italian cannibal boom -- Part II. Yeehaw! The Regional Cannibal: 4. Borders and bean-- the British regional cannibal: the regional Gothic and sawney bean; 5. Hillbilly highway-- the American regional cannibal: from The Texas chainsaw massacre to The hills have eyes, originals and remakes -- Part III. Canibals in Our Midst: The City Cannibal: 6. City slashers and rippers-- London Cannibals: from Jack the Ripper to Sweeney Todd; 7. American psychos: from Patrick Bateman to Hannibal Lecter --Conclusion.
Summary:
"From images of stewed missionaries to Hannibal Lecter's hiss, cannibals have intrigued while evoking horror and repulsion. The label of cannibal has been used throughout history to denigrate a given individual or group. By examining who is labelled cannibal at any given time, we can understand the fears, prejudices, accepted norms and taboos of society at that time. From the cannibal in colonial literature, to the idea of regional Gothic and the hillbilly cannibal, to serial killers, this book examines works by writers and directors including Joseph Conrad, H. Rider Haggard, Thomas Harris, Bret Easton Ellis, Cormac McCarthy, Wes Craven, and Tim Burton. It explores questions of cultural identity and otherness in the modern period, offering an important and original examination of cultural norms and fears with reference to national, economic, linguistic, and sexual identity. Amidst the sharp teeth and horrific appetite of the cannibal, the book examines real fears of over-consumerism and consumption that trouble an ever-growing modern world"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.