Yet more on the Nessie book Front!

In a recent post, I brought to your attention three books that I hoped would be upcoming in the months ahead. In fact, there is a fourth book I can tell you about that is due for publication on the 12th November this year. 

It is titled "A Monstrous Commotion" written by Gareth Williams and it is a book that focuses, not on the monster, but those who have dedicated their time and energy into pursuing it. I have helped Gareth on a few points in the book (as others no doubt have), but am in no position to review it yet. What we can be sure of is that it will be of interest to both sides of the Loch Ness Monster debate. In fact, both sides can agree that that the existence of the subjects of the book has been established beyond reasonable doubt. We have the close up photos and film. We even have recordings of sounds they have made and unimpeachable testimony as to their eating habits and migratory patterns.

But, all joking aside, the book does have a serious side, because, though the people involved are known; their personalities, motives and relationships may not be so clear. How much of this Gareth Williams will help ascertain is left to another day. You can pre-order your copy here and Amazon's book description runs as follows:

A MONSTROUS COMMOTION delves deep into the depths of the Loch Ness phenomenon, one of the iconic scientific mysteries of the last hundred years. The legend of the 'water horse' in Loch Ness and other Scottish lakes is ancient, but reports of the monster date from as recently as the 1930s, courtesy of a correspondent of the Inverness Courier. Rather than debating the arguably unfathomable realities of what lies beneath these murky Scottish waters, Professor Gareth Williams instead engages with the people who have dedicated themselves to unearthing the truth of the monster's existence. He explores just what it is that drives these people to the point of obsession, and the ways in which their own quests have changed their lives, and the lives of others. 

With the use of interviews and never-before-seen archives, Williams creates a gripping narrative about the diverse people and stories behind the phenomenon. In his journey to discover the allurement of Nessie, he unravels a compelling tale of human eccentricity, full of twists, turns and entertaining surprises. 

While A MONSTROUS COMMOTION provides the facts and history behind the legend, and lucidly articulates the current state of scientific research and evidence, readers must ultimately decide on the truth for themselves. They too will embark on a journey of discovery, engrossed by a mystery that never fails to astonish.

As a footnote, books that examine the hunters rather than the hunted are thin on the ground. Of the sixty-plus books on Loch Ness that I am aware of, perhaps six focus on a person or persons involved in the Nessie hunt. Of course, other books will be semi-biographical as the author recounts their own adventures within the context of the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon (e.g. Dinsdale and Holiday).

So it seems a niche is being filled here as I am not aware of any book that takes on the whole genre of monster hunter to the extent of Gareth's 400 page work. I look forward to his book with anticipation.

The author can be contacted at lochnesskelpie@gmail.com