Jungle Ways

by William B. Seabrook

A first-hand account of cannibalism and the secret ceremonies of jungle magic practiced by primitive savages

Genres: Travel, Africa, Nonfiction

316 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1931

About the author

William Buehler Seabrook was a journalist and explorer whose interest in the occult lead him across the globe where he studied magic rituals, trained as a witch doctor, and famously ate human flesh, likening it to veal. Despite his studious accounts of magical practices, he insisted he had never seen anything which could not be explained rationally.

His book on witchcraft is notable for its thoughtful focus on arch-occultist Aleister Crowley, who stayed at Seabrook's home for a short time.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Seabrook is a true adventurer. He went to Africa and adopted their customs. He has a unique way of telling a story that transports me to that very moment no matter where I am. He may have turned to alcohol and eventually suicide but while he lived he chose to experience every moment to the fullest. His books remind us to step outside our comfort zone and trust our instincts.

[Gary Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange and curious book from 1930. I'd never heard of it before it showed up, old and crumbling, in our Little Free Library. At first glance I assumed it was a misguided, outdated colonial-era description of travels among supposedly benighted Africans, and was prepared to just throw it away. Turns out that yes, there are some elements that are "of its time", but also it's an engagingly written account of the author's travels among the people of West Africa at a time when traditional cultures assumed they were coming to an end. He writes with what I thought was real curiosity and humility, especially given the book's time and place. And the guy can spin a great yarn. Far as I know, his stories could be baloney, but they're tasty baloney.

That said, maybe I just fell for some charming yet problematic garbage. Thoughts?