In 1933, a woman named Alice Mackay reported spotting a “beastie” in Loch Ness, a Scottish lake. Almost immediately, a local newspaper ran with her claim, less concerned with facts than providing a sensational read. Mackay, as it turns out, owned an inn that needed customers, and tourism soon boomed in the area, helped along by the spurious story. One sighting led to more, and then big game hunter and filmmaker Marmaduke Wetherell journeyed to Loch Ness and produced “proof” on film. This well researched, engaging look at the myth of the Loch Ness monster is also a look at how misinformation is fueled and can easily run rampant. Wetherell’s “proof” is deconstructed so that readers see how he staged his “evidence”; so, too, are other claims. Despite this, belief in Nessie, as the monster was fondly known, persisted, although the momentum of the myth fell off with the start of World War II, during which Nessie was used as propaganda by the Axis powers as proof of their superiority—the British must be easily duped if they believed Nessie was real. Belief in Nessie lingers today, despite the historical evidence outlining her creation, which is laid out in this well-researched and documented work that concludes with a look at misinformation in our modern age, and tips for being an information consumer. This volume contains occasional black-and-white photographs.

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An extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world’s most famous monster hoax—the Loch Ness Monster—and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation.

In 1934, a man was walking by a lake in the Scottish Highlands when he saw a long-necked creature swimming in the water. He grabbed his camera and snapped a photo. When the photo landed on the front page of the Daily Mail, it shattered the belief that paranormal creatures were pure fiction. But amid the monster-hunting craze, complex conspiracies soon emerged. The Loch Ness Monster became more than a mysterious sea creature—it became a phenomenon that caused people to question their assumptions and dig for the truth.

Meticulously researched through primary sources and in-depth interviews with key figures, Loch Ness Uncovered is the fascinating true story of the conspiracy that sparked intrigue worldwide. Complete with archival images, an engaging narrative, and a guide to media literacy, here is a nonfiction book that will transport young readers to the thrilling world of monster mania.