16th century Europe, and one of the most popular travel narratives of its time. Many critics agree that Staden’s account is a unique source of information on indigenous cultures. Some modern critics have argued that Staden's account is one of the most reliable of its kind because he spent a long time in Brazil and spoke indigenous languages. Depending on the edition, some critics take issue with the editors’ interpretation and introduction. Some modern critics argue that Staden exaggerated accounts of cannibalism and even fabricated parts of his story based on similar narratives written by others. The book has been translated into several languages and has also been interpreted through several political and social movements accong to their agendas. The interpretations include a “children’s book … Antropofagia [Cannibalism] … Estado Novo … Cinema Novo … neo-nationalist and postmodern commemoration … [and] a forgettable and tedious movie.” Selected Editions Original German edition, 1557. English translation by the Hakluyt Society, 1874. New English translation, 2008. References Hans Staden Group Age of Discovery Captivity narratives 16th century in Brazil Non-fiction books about cannibalism Brazilian cannibals