Abominable Science!

June 3, 2013
Loxton and Prothero (Reality Check) stake out the world’s best-known (if never observed) cryptids and—unsurprisingly—come up with zilch. But that doesn’t mean the hunt isn’t an interesting one. In their breakdown of cryptozoology, the skeptical duo (Loxton is the editor of Junior Skeptic magazine) covers a vast swath of territory, from biology, geology, paleontology, and genetics, to anthropology, sociology, and folklore. Classic cryptids like Bigfoot, the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, and sea serpents, as well as the lesser known Mokele Mbembe, an Apatosaurous-like dinosaur supposedly rampaging through the Congo, each get their due (and are duly dismissed as myths) in chapter-long entries. Loxton and Prothero ultimately conclude that “there is no solid evidence that any of the cryptids discussed in this book exist and much evidence that their existence is extremely unlikely.” So why the obsession with these fanciful beasts? And what of the weird world of amateur cryptozoologists? The authors address these questions and others in the illuminating final pages, where they rail against the dangers of pseudoscience and provocatively tie cryptozoology to the politics of creationism. This work is as valuable for its analysis of the hunted as it is for the light it shines on the still-hopeful hunters. 88 illus. and photos.

Starred review from July 1, 2013

Loxton (staff writer, Skeptic magazine) and Prothero (research associate, vertebrate paleontology, Los Angeles Cty. Natural History Museum; Catastrophes! Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, and Other Earth-Shattering Disasters) present the stories behind five notable cryptids, or creatures proposed as existing but not accepted by scientists: Bigfoot, the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, sea serpents, and Mokele-Mbembe (the Congo "dinosaur"). The authors carefully explain how most, if not all, of the "evidence" supplied in support of these creatures consists of hoaxes and specious arguments. Sightings are often unverifiable or turn out to be misidentifications of something unremarkable, such as a tree stump. Physical proof, in the form of a specimen or a fossil, is never available; the authors logically and persuasively explain why it is unlikely ever to be found. Loxton and Prothero retain their distinct voices by splitting up authorship of the chapters. While Loxton sees some aspects of cryptozoology as endearing, Prothero warns that it encourages its overly credulous audience and contributes to scientific illiteracy. Their accessible and absorbing book is enriched by Loxton's experiences with questionable beast encounters and Prothero's account of his appearance on the TV show MonsterQuest. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers looking for scientific but accessible evaluations of the existence of five notable cryptids that have captured our imaginations. Likely to be popular.--Laurie Neuerburg, Victoria Coll.-Univ. of Houston Lib.

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