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

Book
No Media

This item doesn’t have any media yet

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

2015 | Paranormal | Science & Mathematics

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.



Published by Columbia University Press

Edition Unknown
ISBN 9780231153218
Language English

cryptozoology popular culture

Images And Data Courtesy Of: Columbia University Press.
This content (including text, images, videos and other media) is published and used in accordance with Fair Use.

Added By

Awix

Added this item on May 12, 2017

Abominable Science!: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids Reviews & Ratings (2)
9-10
50.0% (1)
7-8
50.0% (1)
5-6
0.0% (0)
3-4
0.0% (0)
1-2
0.0% (0)

Post Type

Hidden Post

Archived Post

Abominable Science!: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids reviews from people you don't follow
40x40

Awix (3310 KP) rated

Mar 23, 2018 (Updated Mar 23, 2018)  
A hard-headed look at a number of famous cryptids (legendary animals) from a palaeontologist (Prothero) and a 'professional skeptic' (Loxton), attempting to determine if cryptozoology really is a genuine science (Michael Sheard just writes the introduction). Also goes on to consider the further question - if people aren't actually seeing monsters, then why do they think they are?

Pretty much guaranteed to make your average Bigfoot hunter or Nessie spotter squeal in outrage, but the writers' main proposition - that the famous cryptids are essentially products of 20th century pop culture - is coherent and well-argued, if nothing else. Some of the chapters are a bit more accessible than others, and they do take a variety of approaches - the section on sea serpents mainly focuses on the cultural development of the idea of such a creature, while the one on the Congo dinosaur is a fierce critique of creationist attempts to hijack science. A thoughtful and persuasive book.
(1)