'The Cannibal Islands' is a historical novel by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne. In it, he gives some background to the world-wide explorations of the famous Captain Cook. Ballantyne uses detailed descriptions of the customs and habits of those who Captain Cook encountered to flesh out the adventures of the famous explorer. Ballantyne is particularly fascinated by the habit of cannibalism practised by some of the people that Cook encountered. Very much of it's time, this is nevertheless a fascinating and insightful read.