Sharon Hill's Modern Cryptozoology blog is always worth reading. It's a collection of reviews and other information by a scientist who knows there are discoveries awaiting us but finds most claims (and many of the books she reviews) wanting.
She describes her topic as one that's not so much a branch of zoology as a study of folklore, natural history, and related fields: the belief is as interesting as the creatures.
She adds, "It also includes many paranormal or supernatural ideas even though much weight is placed on being scientifically-minded." That's true for many people interested in the topic. Readers will know that I'm not big on that: "If it's not zoology, it's not crytozoology." It is, though, part of the cryptozoology phenomenon.
She is the author of Scientifical Americans, a good book about the way we tend to believe things cloaked in scientific language even if they are less than scientific
Naturally, I appreciate that this blog gives some positive reviews to work by this writer.
Rumors of Existence is "a solid sourcebook" and "Straight up, easily understandable information about animal knowledge."
Shadows of Existence is "worthwhile for the cryptozoological-minded and far better written than the majority of crypto books – sound and solid."
I'll take it.
She also includes some snippets from my own reviews of books, as here on Karl Shuker's The Beasts That Hide From Man.
So it's not surprising we think well of each other's writing. Visit Modern Cryptozoology. If you like the topic, it's well worth your time.
Yes, it looks like a site to follow. Thanks for the link.
ReplyDelete