Gernot Meyer-Schwarzenberger Boeken

Focusing on the public reaction to the Franklin expedition's aftermath, this paper examines the allegations of cannibalism that arose following the failed 1845 voyage. Key figures, including Lady Jane Franklin and Charles Dickens, vehemently denied these claims, which were fueled by hearsay from Inuit tribesmen. Despite later forensic confirmations, Victorian society largely rejected the notion of cannibalism among British sailors. The study explores the media's role in shaping public perception and the ongoing reluctance of British outlets to address these allegations compared to their German counterparts.