Why is this book an important example of social history? How does it shed light on significant elements of the nineteenth century?

Assignment The Village of the Cannibals :

Write a summary of The Village of the Cannibals (800 words minimum)

The summary must include:
A brief identification of the author, Alain Corbin
A short summary of the event described in the book

Your thoughts on Corbin’s historical method. Why is this book an important example of social history? How does it shed light on significant elements of the nineteenth century?