This is a sprawling narrative (covering decades and involving such intriguing people as H.G. Wells & Nikola Tesla!) focused on how the bold claims of one Percival Lowell (that Mars held intelligent life), spread so far and wide in popular culture. It was fascinating to read about this hoax, and see just how many people got drawn into the argument. This all might have happened ages ago, but this 'Martian myth' read as very modern.
The conclusion of the book was a little more hopeful than the overall narrative, showing that despite Lowell's false claims, his work DID inspire others in the future to study & explore Mars.

The Martians by David Baron has a sub-title that implies a National Enquirer-style lurid story of alien shenanigans. Simply not the case. Instead you get the compelling story of those who genuinely believed Mars may be a place where aliens lived. The believers whose stories Baron tells in a respectful and interesting way, one in particular, dedicated their lives to learning more. This was done without the benefit of high-powered telescopes, space travel, or the internet. It's a fascinating read. Even better is that it laid the groundwork for why Mars fascinates us today. Thank you to #netgalley and #liveright for the opportunity to preview this book.