Overview

This one-volume encyclopedia introduces readers to the world's cryptids—those hidden or secret animals believed to exist at the margins of human society—including Bigfoot, Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Mothman. Comprehensive in its scope, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to know more about well-known creatures of myth and legend, such as the Chupacabra and the Jersey Devil, and discover lesser-known animals, such as the Bunyip of Australia and the Mamlambo of South Africa. Rather than purport to prove or deny the existence of these creatures, however, this volume classifies them within their respective cultural, historical, and social contexts, allowing readers to appreciate cryptids as cultural artifacts important to societies around the globe. Finally, this book goes beyond the study of the unknown to investigate who believes in cryptids, why they do, and why the study of cryptozoology is as much about understanding cryptids as it is about understanding ourselves.

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9781440877254

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Reviews

There is a lot to like in this book; as a reference work it is extremely thorough and it has many useful lists and indices, including a full bibliography … An excellent guide to cryptids for those with either a casual or a keen interest in the field. It provides a wealth of material and suggestions for follow-up reading and information. I enjoyed discovering cryptids I’d not heard of previously and many of DeMello’s theories on the subject gave me food for thought. * Fortean Times *

Suggests reasons for why people believe in such cryptids as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster

The well-written entries provide a wealth of details on geography, history, and folklore, including alternative names, related cryptids, habitats, recent sightings, and suggestions for further reading ... The result is a work that is fun, thorough, and thoughtful ... An engrossing overview of cryptozoology, cryptids around the world, and the field’s key issues. * Library Journal * There is a lot to like in this book; as a reference work it is extremely thorough and it has many useful lists and indices, including a full bibliography … An excellent guide to cryptids for those with either a casual or a keen interest in the field. It provides a wealth of material and suggestions for follow-up reading and information. I enjoyed discovering cryptids I’d not heard of previously and many of DeMello’s theories on the subject gave me food for thought. * Fortean Times *

Author Information

Margo DeMello is assistant professor in the anthrozoology program at Carroll College in Helena, MT, USA.

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