Looking for something that takes certain well-known myths from history and attempts to provide a rational explanation for them knowing what we know now through research and scientific discovery.
Some examples of this would be nautical “monsters”, such as sailors confusing manatees for mermaids or giant squids for sea monsters, unique weather anomalies or astronomical phenomena being confused for a message from god, mass hysteria from illness or poisoning being confused for possession by a demonic entity, etc. I’m fine with either a single book covering a wide range of these or multiple that zero in on one specific instance or category in detail. I would like if it leaned more academic and didn’t rely on corny, History Channel-esque sensationalism.
by Allie_Tinpan