The Human Zoo

The shocking full story of the “human zoos” that exploited thousands of Indigenous people

In the 19th century, as colonial expansion exposed previously unknown civilizations to the Western gaze, a small group of entrepreneurs, adventurers, and anthropologists created a new form of popular entertainment: "human zoos." Between 1871 and World War I, more than 20,000 Indigenous people, from Southeast Asia to the far North to the tip of South America, were abducted, coerced, or convinced to appear in these "living habitats," exhibited to gawking audiences the way animals are today.

Award-winning science writer Shoshi Parks delves into the engrossing and horrifying history of human zoos and their centrality to the early years of anthropology. Human zoos encapsulated the young field's central intellectual battle between the dominant social Darwinists, who argued societies exist on a scale from savagery to civilization, and Franz Boas, the person who first articulated the idea of cultural relativism.

Telling the stories of Geronimo, Ota Benga, and Ishi, as well as dozens of little-known Indigenous people caught up in the exhibits, Parks not only vividly describes the many tragedies that befell them but also uncovers the inventive ways they pushed back and bargained for power.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs