Books by "Sir William Brandford Griffith"
9 books found
First published in 1895, this is a guide to the stages and bargains by which the present African frontiers have been created.
Human Leopards - An Account of the Trials of Humaeone, Past and Present
by Sir Kenneth James Beatty
2017 · anboco
Captain Beatty, just before leaving for the Dardanelles, asked me to write a preface. I think that the best preface will be to answer, as far as I am able, several questions which were frequently put to me on my return to civilization after the conclusion of the Special Commission Court. These questions were, "What was the object of the Human Leopard Society? Were its members cannibals for the purpose of satisfying an appetite for human flesh, or was it some religious rite? Would the sentences inflicted by the Special Commission Court have the effect of stamping out the horrible practice?" The first question can be answered with some confidence. The trend of the whole evidence showed that the prime object of the Human Leopard Society was to secure human fat wherewith to anoint the Borfima. The witnesses told us how the occasion of a murder is used to "blood" the Borfima, but the potency of this terrible fetish depends upon its being frequently supplied with human fat. Hence these murders. The question as to cannibalism it is not possible to answer with any degree of certainty. The Commission sat for over five months, had before it vihundreds of witnesses, and the notes of evidence ran into thousands of pages; but the Court was a judicial tribunal, and it was anxious to bring its labours to an end as speedily as possible, so that no question was asked or allowed by the Court which was not relevant to the issue. Again and again answers given by witnesses opened up avenues which it would have been most interesting to investigate, but, unless the investigation was relevant to the case in hand or would have served to elucidate some other part of the evidence which was doubtful, the Court could not allow it to be pursued. Nor would it have been seemly for the members of the Court to make private investigation into a matter before them judicially.
In "Human Leopards," Kenneth James Sir Beatty presents an intricate exploration of the intertwining of humanity and savagery through the lens of West African folklore and historical accounts. The narrative employs a vivid literary style that masterfully blends lyrical prose with stark realism, painting a chilling portrait of the leopards both literal and metaphorical lurking within human society. Set against the backdrop of colonial tension and cultural upheaval, Beatty delves into the psyche of his characters, challenging the boundaries of morality and civilization through their harrowing experiences with violence and societal transformation. Kenneth James Sir Beatty, a scholar of cultural anthropology and African studies, draws from a rich tapestry of personal experience and academic research that has informed his portrayal of complex social dynamics. His exposure to diverse cultures and histories has endowed him with a profound understanding of the myths and realities that inform human behavior. This synthesis of rigorous scholarship and narrative artistry enables Beatty to craft a story that resonates deeply, illuminating the darker aspects of human nature while remaining anchored in authentic cultural narratives. Readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in "Human Leopards," as it not only provides a gripping tale but also poses profound questions about the nature of identity and the thin veil that distinguishes civility from barbarism. This compelling work invites reflection on the legacies of colonialism and the intrinsic human struggles that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, making it a vital addition to contemporary literary discourse.