Captain's Dinner
A Shipwreck, An Act of Cannibalism, and a Murder Trial That Changed Legal History
What's it about
Could you survive at sea for weeks with no food or water? In 1884, the crew of the Mignonette faced this exact nightmare, leading them to a horrifying decision: to kill and eat one of their own. But was it a necessary act of survival or cold-blooded murder? This summary of Captain's Dinner dives into the shocking true story behind the infamous shipwreck. You'll explore the desperate choices made by starving men and follow the sensational trial that followed. Discover how this single case challenged the very definition of justice and forever changed the law.
Meet the author
Adam Cohen is a former senior writer for TIME magazine and a member of the New York Times editorial board, where he wrote about law and society. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he brings a lawyer's sharp eye for historical precedent and a journalist's gift for storytelling to this gripping legal drama. His work explores the fascinating intersections of justice, morality, and human nature, revealing how pivotal moments in the past continue to shape our world and legal system today.
What's it about
Could you survive at sea for weeks with no food or water? In 1884, the crew of the Mignonette faced this exact nightmare, leading them to a horrifying decision: to kill and eat one of their own. But was it a necessary act of survival or cold-blooded murder? This summary of Captain's Dinner dives into the shocking true story behind the infamous shipwreck. You'll explore the desperate choices made by starving men and follow the sensational trial that followed. Discover how this single case challenged the very definition of justice and forever changed the law.
Meet the author
Adam Cohen is a former senior writer for TIME magazine and a member of the New York Times editorial board, where he wrote about law and society. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he brings a lawyer's sharp eye for historical precedent and a journalist's gift for storytelling to this gripping legal drama. His work explores the fascinating intersections of justice, morality, and human nature, revealing how pivotal moments in the past continue to shape our world and legal system today.
The Script
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