Reclaiming the Loch Ness Monster from the current tide of debunking and scepticism. If you believe there is something strange in Loch Ness, read on.
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Peter Costello Interview
Online show, Binnall of America, interview Peter Costello on his cryptozoological work. Peter is best known for his book, In Search of Lake Monsters, which has been recently republished.
I downloaded his book and enjoyed it. I missed out on it first time round.
Some of his thesis is a bit wide of the mark though. I would take issue with his point in the interview about the loch not being well observed as there's 'only a couple of tiny villages beside it'. On the contrary, I'd say the loch is very well observed on a daily basis. Dores, Foyers, Inverfarigaig, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit, the A82 and all manner of farms, crofts and cottages in between.
I certainly don't subscribe to his long necked seal theory. As for the loch not being well observed, I guess things are bit busier now than they were when he visited the loch in the lates 60s (?).
Well ive added a sceptical one to my collection ( maurice burton) so no harm in adding one that covers other lakes aswell lol and its less than a pint of tennents :))
It's a good read, not up to Witchell standard but better than most,
He makes a few leaps in logic that prompt more questions than they answer, but if you're interested in the LNM phenomenon, and especially if you're a believer, then I'd say it's worth a read.
I remember owning this book years ago (1970s), But sadly it's been lost somewhere along the road of life. A search online of local libraries results in no copies available. At one time, years ago, one could find all the classic LNM books in abundance at the local libraries, now hardly any are left, lost, pilfered, stolen or discarded by the staff as no longer relevant? I guess if I really want to read it again, I'll have to order it online or download the ebook copy. Never bought the long neck seal theory either!
Yes, exactly, I don't think the books are thrown away as rubbish. They just want to make room for other books. They are sold at book sale events the libraries hold occasionally.
I got the impression from both his book and interview that, unlike other authors on the subject, he hasn't spent a great deal of time at the lakes in question. Most of his research seems to be library based.
As I mentioned above, I think this clouds his thinking a bit on some aspects of his theories.
Jeremy Wades theory was a load of nonsense, but at least he came here and had a swim around for a bit.
There's one small error in the book that has driven me crazy for years. It's the reference to an animal in Hollow Block Lake in Portland, Oregon (p. 219 of my copy). When I first read this book as a kid I got all excited at the possibility there might be something like Nessie in my own back yard. I spent hours in the local libraries trying to find that lake, to no avail. I had forgotten all about that lake until I was reading the new edition and there it was again. This go round I have the internet at my disposal and, alas, there is no such lake in Oregon. Costello was confusing Portland, Oregon with an incident that had taken place in Portland, Indiana. Decades later, mystery solved. If only finding Nessie was this easy.
excellent interview, he's an inspiration to all seekers of unidentified aquatic animals.
ReplyDeleteI downloaded his book and enjoyed it. I missed out on it first time round.
DeleteSome of his thesis is a bit wide of the mark though. I would take issue with his point in the interview about the loch not being well observed as there's 'only a couple of tiny villages beside it'. On the contrary, I'd say the loch is very well observed on a daily basis. Dores, Foyers, Inverfarigaig, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit, the A82 and all manner of farms, crofts and cottages in between.
I certainly don't subscribe to his long necked seal theory. As for the loch not being well observed, I guess things are bit busier now than they were when he visited the loch in the lates 60s (?).
DeleteIs in search of lake monsters any good. Seen one cheap on ebay! Just wondering if its worth adding to my collection ???
ReplyDeleteI reviewed the book here:
Deletehttp://lochnessmystery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/peter-costellos-in-search-of-lake.html
Well ive added a sceptical one to my collection ( maurice burton) so no harm in adding one that covers other lakes aswell lol and its less than a pint of tennents :))
ReplyDeleteYou'll need about 10 pints to believe what Costello has written ;)
DeleteSame goes for Burton ...
DeleteIt's a good read, not up to Witchell standard but better than most,
DeleteHe makes a few leaps in logic that prompt more questions than they answer, but if you're interested in the LNM phenomenon, and especially if you're a believer, then I'd say it's worth a read.
10 pints of what ???? :))
DeleteI remember owning this book years ago (1970s), But sadly it's been lost somewhere along the road of life. A search online of local libraries results in no copies available. At one time, years ago, one could find all the classic LNM books in abundance at the local libraries, now hardly any are left, lost, pilfered, stolen or discarded by the staff as no longer relevant? I guess if I really want to read it again, I'll have to order it online or download the ebook copy. Never bought the long neck seal theory either!
ReplyDeleteYes, sadly such books are disappearing from libraries as old copies wear out and new genres take over.
DeleteI note that some of the cryptid books I pick up on eBay have old library stamps in them.
But with time all should be available online.
Yes, exactly, I don't think the books are thrown away as rubbish. They just want to make room for other books. They are sold at book sale events the libraries hold occasionally.
DeleteLong necked seal ?????. Now youve spoilt it John lol :))) well at least its better than Burton's vegetable mats !!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry, that idea has been around for a a long time. Costello is not the first to bring that up.
DeleteI got the impression from both his book and interview that, unlike other authors on the subject, he hasn't spent a great deal of time at the lakes in question. Most of his research seems to be library based.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned above, I think this clouds his thinking a bit on some aspects of his theories.
Jeremy Wades theory was a load of nonsense, but at least he came here and had a swim around for a bit.
Well, if you're going to write a book on Nessie, its always worth a visit to the loch to get the background.
DeleteLol well if he thinks its a long necked seal then maybe im best not buying it ;) lol
ReplyDeleteThere's one small error in the book that has driven me crazy for years. It's the reference to an animal in Hollow Block Lake in Portland, Oregon (p. 219 of my copy). When I first read this book as a kid I got all excited at the possibility there might be something like Nessie in my own back yard. I spent hours in the local libraries trying to find that lake, to no avail. I had forgotten all about that lake until I was reading the new edition and there it was again. This go round I have the internet at my disposal and, alas, there is no such lake in Oregon. Costello was confusing Portland, Oregon with an incident that had taken place in Portland, Indiana. Decades later, mystery solved. If only finding Nessie was this easy.
ReplyDeleteI was 50/50 on the book so i bought ted holiday's instead. That was there for a fiver :))
ReplyDelete