July 26, 2013

Abominable Science!: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids

Abominable Science!: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Available at Amazon.com

Throughout our history, humans have been captivated by mythic beasts and legendary creatures. Tales of Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness monster are part of our collective experience. Now comes a book from two dedicated investigators that explores and elucidates the fascinating world of cryptozoology.

Daniel Loxton and Donald R. Prothero have written an entertaining, educational, and definitive text on cryptids, presenting the arguments both for and against their existence and systematically challenging the pseudoscience that perpetuates their myths. After examining the nature of science and pseudoscience and their relation to cryptozoology, Loxton and Prothero take on Bigfoot; the Yeti, or Abominable Snowman, and its cross-cultural incarnations; the Loch Ness monster and its highly publicized sightings; the evolution of the Great Sea Serpent; and Mokele Mbembe, or the Congo dinosaur. They conclude with an analysis of the psychology behind the persistent belief in paranormal phenomena, identifying the major players in cryptozoology, discussing the character of its subculture, and considering the challenge it poses to clear and critical thinking in our increasingly complex world.

From the promotional material:

Abominable Science’s hefty 400+ full-color pages examine not only the roots of the best-known of legendary creatures, but also the methods, arguments, and personalities of the people who pursue them.

With extensive endnotes and citations to primary sources, Abominable Science will be useful for every serious monster-lover. It collects and distills key scholarly discoveries, critical insights, and skeptical arguments that have previously been scattered across the hard-to-find cryptozoological and skeptical literatures.

Abominable Science makes numerous contributions toward solving the major cryptid mysteries, showcasing discoveries that are either new or have not been properly explored before in the literature.

The main point about this book is that it is OUTSTANDING scholarship. Research is one thing. Many crypto-books involve tremendous amounts of research. But this one is meticulously referenced, cross-checked, with lovely pages, and beautifully illustrated. It is solid enough to hit someone over the head with which is what I would like to use it for (metaphorically speaking) regarding all the self-styled cryptozoologists out there. You can not call yourself one and then ignore this landmark piece of work. I look forward to their reactions to it, as do Don and Dan.Sharon Hill

Filed under Abominable Snowman, Bigfoot, Bigfoot Report, Books, Cryptozoology, Evidence, Eyewitness Accounts, Loch Ness Monster, Pop Culture, Sasquatch, Skeptical Discussions, Yeti