Science of Monsters by Matt Kaplan

Discover the truth behind history’s most legendary creatures. Featured on NPR’s Science Friday, The Science of Monsters by noted journalist Matt Kaplan is an "ingenious" (The Wall Street Journal) exploration of the myths that haunt our collective imagination.

From the mythical beasts of Ancient Greece to the modern vampires of pop culture, monsters have captivated humanity for millennia. Kaplan blends cutting-edge scientific research with a passion for folklore to answer the enduring questions at the intersection of fantasy and reality:

• Cryptozoology & History: Did dragons actually exist, or were they inspired by dinosaur fossils?
• The Biology of Fear: Why are we hardwired to obsess over things that go bump in the night?
• Modern Science: Are we close to a real-life Jurassic Park through fossilized DNA replication?

Perfect for fans of evolutionary biology, mythology, and pop culture history, this insightful guide reveals the science and culture that created the world's most frightening fictions.