Strictly speaking he just reprints the publicity material, which is not what I understand as a review. Of course, this raises a bigger issue: where, outside Fortean Times, are the reviews of cryptozoology books? And by review, I don't mean the 'X is a good mate who gave a favourable notice to my last book so I will do the same for him here' puff piece. I mean the kind of thing that tells a potential reader what the book aims to do and how far it succeeds; in short, whether it is worth the cover price.
Now that Animals & Men has become so occasional that a book is likely to be out of print before its review appears, it might be a good idea to review new books here. Of course, since everyone in the crypto community is likely to know each other personally, they would probably have to be anonymous, or at least pseudonymous, if they are to be in any way honest.
It wasn't intended as a review, as I have not seen the book yet!
Neil sent me the press-release info, and asked if I could post it to my blog, which I was pleased to do. And, in my post, I noted that this was the press-release, not a review.
http://monsterusa.blogspot.com/2011/11/mystery-animals-of-london-in-print.html
Strictly speaking he just reprints the publicity material, which is not what I understand as a review. Of course, this raises a bigger issue: where, outside Fortean Times, are the reviews of cryptozoology books? And by review, I don't mean the 'X is a good mate who gave a favourable notice to my last book so I will do the same for him here' puff piece. I mean the kind of thing that tells a potential reader what the book aims to do and how far it succeeds; in short, whether it is worth the cover price.
ReplyDeleteNow that Animals & Men has become so occasional that a book is likely to be out of print before its review appears, it might be a good idea to review new books here. Of course, since everyone in the crypto community is likely to know each other personally, they would probably have to be anonymous, or at least pseudonymous, if they are to be in any way honest.
Chris
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't intended as a review, as I have not seen the book yet!
Neil sent me the press-release info, and asked if I could post it to my blog, which I was pleased to do. And, in my post, I noted that this was the press-release, not a review.
I will, however, be reviewing the book.