Thursday 27 August 2015

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



26 comments:

  1. just a thought nessie depictions (book covers) mostly show a long neck above the waterline. I can't understand why?

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    1. Hey! It's a proboscis, or if you're an adherent to the giant salamander theory, a tail.

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  2. A rather topical subject, given recent ferocious interactions on this website and elsewhere. Perhaps the most confusing question of all is 'Why do people care so much either way?'

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    1. They just do, they just do.

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    2. I am not sure if "care" is the best word. Intrigued, interested, yes.

      People care for their families and will go to great lengths for them as a consequence. I wouldn't place a disputed creature in a highland loch to that level by a long shot, even if I believe it existed.

      It's a hobby. I have others such as football (soccer). I place more importance on my football team than the Loch Ness Monster!

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  3. I'm trying to cut down on hardcover books to save space. So my choices are to get the Kindle edition on November 12 (£13.99) or wait another year for the paperback (£9.99). I find it annoying that they charge me more for doing my bit to save the trees.

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    1. Yup, doesn't help that e-books are not VAT free.

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  4. Slightly off topic. Channel 5 tonight 28th (UK) 20:00 LNM the missing evidence.

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  5. Same old drab..... surgeons photo !!! Its a hoax so why go on bout it. Cant they move on....

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    Replies
    1. What do you suggest people move on to Jake?

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    2. If you wernt an anon i would answer you :)

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    3. Sebastian Postlethwaite31 August 2015 at 03:20

      What do you suggest people move on to Jake?

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    4. How about this for a start?

      1. Debunking sceptical theories old and new.
      2. Gleaning new information from the sightings database
      3. Discussing new sightings as and when they come in.

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    5. Sebastian Postlethwaite.31 August 2015 at 05:57

      1. The "debunking" I've seen on here seems to consist of nothing more than finding a little gap or small contradiction in reports from people who previously debunked the classic photos. Whilst at the same time trying to minimise the often glaring issues existing within the photographs themselves, and the stories surrounding the taking of these photos. On top of this, there seems to be some inference that if a story of a hoax can in some way be weakened, then we have "reclaimed" the photo back into the album marked "Genuine Monster photos". Nothing could be further from the truth.

      2. Gleaning new information from the sightings database seems rather unlikely, when the contents of that database cannot be verified in any shape or form. The entire database may be rotten. It's therefore impossible to know what to do with the data in a meaningful way.

      3. In 2015 we are several decades past the stage of discussing new sighting reports. Titillating as they may be, time has shown that they are ultimately meaningless as evidence. What's now required are good quality photos and films. Nothing else will suffice in the current era of the mobile camera phone. Apologies if that has been said before, but it is irrefutable.

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    6. "little", "small", "glaring", "minimise", "rotten", "impossible", "irrefutable".

      Big words for your side of the argument, tiny words for the other side.

      You come on here with your jackboots of "truth" and tell us to bow down? Not when you come in sounding like a politician who has to shout loud and bang the lectern to make a point.

      Somehow I think you are beyond debate on this subject. A pointless waste of typing.


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  6. Burton Caruthers30 August 2015 at 00:06

    'Search at Loch Ness' by Dennis L. Meredith is one of my favorite books on the subject, period, as well as a great book following Dr. Robert Rines's 1976 expedition at the Loch. Very enjoyable read!

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    1. Hmmm cud be another for the collection. Some on ebay so might buybone. Cheers Burton!

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  7. Right, I will stay silent on this issue no longer. Some anonymous clever clogs keeps putting coded insults towards Roland Watson and others in his or her messages. I've seen it several times over the last year. This post for example starts

    We
    All
    Now
    Know
    Every
    Really

    This has to stop. It's been insulting to believers over and over again.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, some people are quite sad.

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    2. I know the feeling. Immature, to say the least :(

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    3. John, there was a very personal one directed towards you a few months ago. Not the Ayzapric nonsense, but one particular post. I won't repeat it here, it would only feed the troll.

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    4. They wouldnt say it 2 your face the spineless cowards.

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    5. There is safety in the dark recesses of Cyberspace for faceless, unknown entities. For the consideration of everyone who frequents this blog:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670if6Etx0o

      Delete