The Untold Story of Champ: A Social History of America's Loch Ness Monster

by Robert E. Bartholomew

This book presents the Champlain Monster like you have never seen him before. This warts and all biography of America's Loch Ness Monster by sociologist Robert Bartholomew breaks new ground by taking journalists to task for sloppy reporting, and criticizing local tourist bureaus for their singular focus on Champ Dollars. It presents the most complete history of Champ from Native American lore to the modern-day monster hunters; their egos, obsessions and behind-the-scenes squabbles. Also examined is whether the famous Mansi photo is a hoax, and weighs the evidence of the ultimate does Champ exist?    




"I really loved the book, and got some valuable lecture material out of it for my Vermont history course. Just fascinating."
-- Dr. Paul Searls, Department of History, Lyndon State College


"Get ready for... [a] thought-provoking ride as Robert Bartholomew guides you through 400 years of facts, fantasy and controversy surrounding Champ.... Like any solid reporter, Bartholomew asks the tough questions. He draws you into the vortex of egos of the Champ researchers. He chides his media colleagues for sloppy reporting.... It's all in here, and more.
-- Ronald Kermani, former senior investigative journalist, Albany Times-Union

" ... a comprehensive history of a cultural fixture in the northeast. Robert Bartholomew explores the background and development of a media favorite and a scientific controversy. Both believers and skeptics can profit from the solid research and fluid storytelling in The Untold Story of Champ ."
-- Dr. Stephen R. Whalen, Department of History, Castleton State College

"The book provides a thorough exploration of the Champ tales told through the ages. Dr. Bartholomew assiduously weaves his way through the stories, myths, and legends that surround Champ."
-- Mike Winslow, author of Lake A Natural History and Staff Scientist

 "Bartholomew's study provides a meticulously researched overview of the historical context behind popular fascination with the Lake Champlain monster. The book effectively traces the vicissitudes of the creature's fame, rising and falling in accordance with external factors often unrelated to the ongoing string of perennial sightings. Bartholomew makes the subject come alive by carefully documenting the bitter rivalries between competing Champ researchers and by filling in the background stories for numerous Champ witnesses and enthusiasts. He shows that the creature is not simply a media sideshow, but a concept that has touched real people's lives very deeply."
-- Dr. Peter Dendle, Associate Professor of English, Penn State University at Mont Alto and coeditor of The Ashgate Research Companion to Monsters and the Monstrous

Genres: Cryptozoology, Nonfiction, History

267 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by someone who really wants to believe in a sea monster living on Lake Champlain, but doesn't want to be suckered.

The result is a book that thoroughly explores every legend connected to some sort of sea creature that has been reported in the Lake from Native American legends, the European discoverer of the Lake, Samuel Champlain to sightings in the 19th and 20th centuries.

It is also a book bent on debunking every eye witness report.

That's not a bad thing and I think that Bartholomew is honest in his accounts, because he doesn't out and out call anyone a liar, however, he does point out discrepancies in reports and contradictions between eye witnesses. He wants to believe, yet he can't.

Because of his skeptical approach the overall tone comes across as snarky. It would have been a more pleasant read if he simply treated the Lake Champlain monster as a legend and narrated all the stories as such. Maybe there's something there, maybe not. Who knows? The stories are still interesting to read.

The fact is, with all alleged monster sightings, eye witnesses aren't always trustworthy and with CGI these days, anything can me shown in a photo or footage.

Until someone provides a body or skeleton, sea monsters will remain mysterious and legendary.

[Blaise Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the Great Sea Serpent Hunt, Champ dives into the history and legend around America’s “Loch Ness Monster”. From the discovery of Lake Champlain to more modern “accounts” of Champ, the author does a great job of diving into the myth and eye witness accounts of the monster… even taking a look at the famous photo of Champ itself.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit drawn out but overall a nuanced and well-researched examination of America’s most notable lake monster.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I already have a fascination with Nessie, when I saw this book I had to read it. It is an interesting and pretty thorough look at the Lake Champlain monster phenomenon. The author is pretty much an open-minded skeptic, as am I. Fun to read about though.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about a specific criptid and an excellent insight into the minds of the people that look for them. an excellent social history.