This Horrid Practice

This Horrid Practice is a groundbreaking historical study of cannibalism among New Zealand's Māori people, based on European observations and records from the 18th and 19th centuries. The book takes its title from Captain James Cook's 1770 journal entry describing his encounters with this practice. The text presents a structured examination across five main sections, from early European perspectives on cannibalism to its role in Māori society and the efforts to end it. Moon analyzes historical documentation, missionary accounts, and British colonial records to construct a comprehensive picture of this cultural phenomenon. The publication generated significant media attention in New Zealand and sparked discussions about how to address challenging aspects of cultural history. Moon's research represents the first published survey of Māori cannibalism, establishing a historical foundation for understanding this complex subject. The book raises questions about cultural interpretation, historical documentation, and the intersection between European and indigenous perspectives in colonial-era observations.

Readers note this book provides detailed historical accounts of cannibalism in New Zealand, drawing from primary sources and Maori oral histories. Positive reviews highlight: - Thorough research and extensive source documentation - Cultural context and analysis beyond sensationalism - Clear writing style that remains academic rather than lurid Common criticisms: - Too much repetition of similar accounts - Overly academic tone makes it dry at times - Some readers found the level of detail disturbing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (6 ratings) Specific reader comments: "Excellent scholarship but heavy going at times" - Goodreads reviewer "Provides important historical documentation while respecting cultural sensitivity" - Amazon review "Could have been condensed, becomes repetitive" - LibraryThing user Limited review data exists online for this academic text, with most discussion appearing in scholarly publications rather than consumer review sites.

Eat Me: A Natural and Unnatural History of Cannibalism by Bill Schutt The text examines cannibalism across human cultures and species through a scientific lens, providing context similar to Moon's analytical approach to Māori practices.

Consuming Grief: Compassionate Cannibalism in an Amazonian Society by Beth Conklin The book documents ritualistic cannibalism among the Wari' people of Brazil, offering parallels to Moon's examination of cultural practices and European encounters.

The Man-Eating Myth: Anthropology and Anthropophagy by William Arens The work critically examines historical accounts of cannibalism and questions the reliability of colonial documentation, complementing Moon's analysis of European perspectives.

Among the Cannibals: Adventures on the Trail of Man's Darkest Ritual by Paul Raffaele The text presents field research and historical investigation of cannibalistic practices across multiple cultures, expanding on themes found in Moon's focused study.

Divine Hunger: Cannibalism as a Cultural System by Peggy Reeves Sanday The book analyzes cannibalism as a cultural phenomenon across various societies, providing theoretical frameworks that align with Moon's historical investigation.

🔹 Cannibalism in Māori culture was often tied to warfare rituals and beliefs about mana (spiritual power), rather than primarily being a source of sustenance. 🔹 Paul Moon faced significant controversy and criticism upon the book's 2008 publication, with some scholars arguing the topic was too sensitive for public discussion. 🔹 The book's research drew from over 100 first-hand European accounts dating back to 1769, along with numerous Māori oral histories and traditional sources. 🔹 The practice largely ceased by the 1830s, coinciding with widespread Christian conversion among Māori communities and changing cultural dynamics. 🔹 Despite the controversial subject matter, "This Horrid Practice" won the Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Award in 2009, recognizing its contribution to New Zealand historical scholarship.