Product Description

Hidden Animals: A Field Guide to Batsquatch, Chupacabra, and Other Elusive Creatures welcomes readers into the fascinating world of cryptozoology—the scientific pursuit of legendary creatures that sometimes reveals hoaxes and sometimes identifies real, previously unknown species. Compiled by Michael Newton, author of the acclaimed Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology, it is the first comprehensive guide covering the crossroads of zoology and folklore written for both the young and the young at heart.

Organized by type of creature type, such as giant animals, missing links, and living fossils, Hidden Animals surveys various beings reported and pursued worldwide from ancient times to the present, in every corner of the globe. In the process, it relates classic myths and legends to identified flesh-and-blood animals. Readers will be captivated by both the scientific evidence supporting the existence of specific cryptids and the exposure of notorious frauds or cases of mistaken identity.

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For years, scientists and researchers have studied, speculated about, and searched for an enigmatic creature that is legendary in the annals of American folklore. Now, learn the truth about...

BIGFOOT!

In this fascinating and comprehensive look at the fact, fiction, and fable of the North American "Sasquatch," award-winning author Loren Coleman takes readers on a journey into America's biggest mystery -- could an unrecognized "ape" be living in our midst? Drawing on over forty years of investigations, interviews, and fieldwork on these incredible beasts, Coleman explores the modern debates about these powerful, ape-like creatures, why they have remained a mystery for so long, and what we can learn about ourselves from these animals, our nearest cousins!

From reports of Bigfoot's existence found in ancient Native American traditions, to the controversial Patterson-Gimlin film of a Bigfoot in the wild, to today's Internet sites that record the sightings almost as soon as they occur, Coleman uncovers the past, explains the present, and considers the future of one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the natural world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

Good historic summaray, strange conclusions
Coleman's once again managed to repackage all the old saw horses of Bigfootery and tell it in an informal, entertaining fashion.Sadly, he still can't be bothered to crack open an anthropology text and figure out what species belong in what genera and what are valid taxonomic names in the present.

The photos are reproduced far too dark to see any useful info.

Perhaps not amazingly, the thought that any of the Bigfoot stories he's heard over the years might just be fiction never seems to enter Coleman's head.Exceptions being when a forgery is just so gob-smackingly obvious, it simply can't be ignored (ie, Ray Wallace's Bluff Creek tracks that kick started the entire phenomenon).

Over all, this is a good intro book to anyone who knows next to nothing about Bigfoot.It is heavily biased to support Coleman's personal belief that wild apes and apemen are running around in every state and every major geographic province in the US, but hey...that's Bigfootery!

One of the Better Bigfoot Books Around!
There is no question that this is one of the better bigfoot books ever written.But it's only a Bigfoot 101 course.So be forewarned.This is not a book for a field researcher who is trying to target a geographical area to study.

I rate this book just a notch below Jeff Meldrum's book "Legend Meets Science" simply because Dr. Meldrum is a real scientist.

The reason I give this book four stars instead of five is because it's still only an introduction to the bigfoot subject, which is good if you're just getting into it.However, I have always had my reservations about Coleman because I think he's part of the problem.He's just another armchair bigfoot book author (hiding in the woods of Maine), content with the mystery persisting.He's even said on television that he's happy with the real physical evidence never being found because "in his mind" he knows it's real.

Sure...so he can keep writing and selling more books.Just like those who capitalize on conspiracy theories and paranormal subjects like UFOs.

With that said.Buy the book as a minor addition to your personal bigfoot library.But don't expect ground breaking news.For those looking for high quality bigfoot books or DVDS...first check to see if the producers and/or authors actually get out in the field and meet witnesses.This is where you'll find the gems.A great example of this is Alley's book "Raincoast Sasquatch."This is real investigative research...not "Internet" or "phone" research.

And by all means...stay away from Tom Biscardi crap.

No longer innocent fun...
Let me make it very clear right up front: I do NOT believe that Bigfoot/Sasquatch exists.However, when I was a child I was fascinated by this phenomena, and read several books on the subject.

In picking up this volume, I have returned to the topic after several years of not giving it much consideration.So initially, the book served as a sound and fairly measured refresher about the history of Bigfoot sightings and the search for more clues.

All this changed, however, when I reached the chapter about that "taboo" subject of Bigfoot sexuality.I was not sure whether I should be bemused or offended--that is, until the spurious account of a Bigfoot supposedly engaging in an indecent act in the middle of a field with a cow.

As a child, reading about Bigfoot was innocent fun.Of course, living in this society, it was inevitable that I would eventually be over-exposed to all of the problems plaguing our society.But at least for a time there were things that were safe and clean.Well, not anymore.

The inclusion and content of that chapter really shows how things have changed, and I suppose someday even this will be considered tame...And it's also a little absurd (considering what little amount of documented evidence there is for this probably non-existent creature) to even be speculating on such a subject in the first place.

So I give this book a 3-star rating; 5-star for the content exclusive of that chapter, 1-start for the chapter.

Review from David
Although a comprehensive and well-referenced history of sightings, testimonials, evidences, and analysis is presented, I am left with more of an inclination towards disbelief and that Bigfoot advocates are simply motivated by the intrigue of the search, the mystery and fun of the puzzle-like assembly of facts and conspiratorial theories.Their brainy tendencies make them adept at explaining away the dearth of evidence.

Factual and Funny
I read my first "bigfoot book" in the third grade and this one tops every one I've read since that eye opening day. Coleman not only recaps important historical events and encounters, but offers fresh perspective on the origins of the name "bigfoot", the effect the media has had in spreading the legend, and humorous stories on the sexual traits and behaviour of sasquatch. A "must read" for those interested in the subject, as obviously lots of research and fieldwork went into this book. My only minor complaint: more pictures would have been nice. ... Read more

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Product Description
There are those who believe that a creature as small as a young child, but as deadly for its size as any on earth, has been depicted in the ancient art of the Mayans. There are others who say that it was spawned through genetic engineering, or eluded capture when its space ship crashed to earth.

The rumors, the sightings and the physical evidence are spreading throughout the Spanish-speaking world. A cultural phenomena only? It was, until the deputy sheriff of an east Texas town investigated the bizarre killing of a prize bull... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chupacabra
A great book and a great writer.Worth far more than I paid. In 8/2010 they are here, but maybe not as shown in the book.Still, very lethal and deadly!Check out National Geographic Documentary I saw several months back. ... Read more

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The sleepy, agriculture hamlet, Kettle Falls, Washington, finds its peach growers threatened by a hairy monster intent on marauding excursions into their farms. When the Dan Stevenson orchard receives serious damage early one morning, serious investigation ensues. The conclusion? This Sasquatch, Bigfoot, Abominable Snowman, or whatever, must be captured if the family's livelihood is to survive.

Dan, wife Ellie, tomboy teenage daughter, Marci, and Ralph, the youngest Stevenson, devise plans for an elaborate capture attempt. When Dan is suddenly removed from the equation, Marci relies on her tomboy skills and aggressive approach to organize the neighbours in the daring capture of an enraged monster.The world becomes enthralled, amazed and excited at this startling news event. Folks come to Kettle Falls from far and near to see this caged hairy behemoth standing eight feet tall and weighing 550 pounds.

A sad sack professional basketball team, desperate to recover respectability and start making money at the box office hangs its future on an animal with no playing experience, no ability to communicate and little hope for accomplishing even rudimentary skill level. Still, this unknown is signed for a lucrative salary with the thought that he could at least instill fear in the hearts and minds of opponents when they view the power that might be unleashed on them.

... Read more

Product Description
This is the first in a series of adventure novels that chronicles theexploits of George Kodiak-- cryptozoologist-- as he searches the darkand deadly places of the Earth for animal anomalies such as theSasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster. In this premier outing Kodiakbecomes the grudging pawn of billionaire Emory Pittman who, believingthe Sasquatch is a reality, enlists Kodiak's service in capturing aspecimen of this rare animal for his private zoo.

Future novels in this series will include the Honey Island SwampMonster of Louisiana, Ogopogo of Canada, and Mokele-mbembe; the livingdinosaur of Central Africa.

This series should appeal to anyone who enjoyed "Jurassic Park","The Lost World", Clive Cussler's "Dirk Pitt" series, or "TheX-files". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Mildred Saw a Monster
Well, a Sasquatch or more commonly known as Bigfoot. She was scared and reported it. This didn't work out so well for Millie, worked out worse for the young Sasquatch. Seems there are powerful forces who don't want it known that these great apes exist. Imagine what it would do to the timber industry. Remember the grey spotted owl? Now just try and imagine how much of America's forests would be off limits to logging if Sasquatch were proved to be real, because the government would naturally want to protect Bigfoot's habitat. Official men show up at Mildred's door, tell her she didn't see what she saw. They frighten her. Then she sort of makes friends with the young Sasquatch, putting food out for it at night.

Meanwhile, wealthy Emory Pittman, has decided the perfect thing to cap of his private animal reserve would be his very own Bigfoot. To this end he hires George Kodiak to track down and capture one. Kodiak had been about to head out to Vietnam to look for the bones of this elusive creature when Pittman hires him to go up to Washington State and search or the real, living, breathing deal. Kodiak, at first, doesn't want to go, but Pittman offers him five million dollars if he doesn't find it, ten million if he does. Kodiak agrees, figuring he can pocket some big bucks, while at the same time keeping the creature save from Pittman. Yep, his goal on the expedition is to keep Sasquatch free from the evil Pittman.

However, the others, except for one lady fair, are not so inclined. They see a whole gang of money in their future if the capture a live Sasquatch and not much less if they come up with a dead one. These men are ruthless, evil and will stop at nothing to get what they want. And right from the get go they decide they are going to have their way with the lady fair and that George Kodiak is going to have to go.

Remember Millie? Well, those guys who showed up at her door do and they've passed the information onto Pittman's henchmen. Kodiak and a couple of them go to her wilderness cabin and ask questions. However, now Millie wants to protect the beast, so she says she was mistaken, that it had only been a bear. Kodiak realizes she is lying and tries his best to convince the others that she is telling the truth, but they see through her and in no time this group of seven are camped out at her place. This is bad for Mildred, bad for the Sasquatch, particularly bad for Mildred's cat and it is the beginning of an adventure story I couldn't put down.

When it comes to the study of these wonderful animals Lee Murphy has no equal. He knows what he's writing about and just the truth, the facts about Sasquatch, make for fascinating reading, but turn it into a story of fiction by an accomplished writer, add a woman in trouble, some very bad men, a true hero who every woman can admire, pile on the problems for the hero, make the danger for the woman more real at every turn, then you have a story that will chill you to the bone. I couldn't put it down.

Discouraging
I ordered this book with high expectations after seeing all of the positive reviews here on Amazon. I am just not impressed, there were several moments while reading this book that I seriously thought about putting it down.

So what are the aspects of this book that I feel pulled it down? Firstly, the amount of violence is overwhelming. It may be good characterization if a reader is disgruntled by following the violent thoughts and behavior of an antagonist but in this book that is virtually every character and that violence is so robust and wicked that it becomes revolting.

Secondly, while I understand this is a work of fiction the character that acts as a catalyst for this romp in the woods is unbelievable in every sense of the word. A billionaire that would like a 'pet' Sasquatch is ok, but the qualities and situations that define this character make him ridiculous.

Thirdly, and finally. Where are the Sasquatch? The book features them but in the end it is more about people fighting other people in the woods. So while there are Sasquatch in this book they are not as pivotal as one would expect and their timing is too perfect and so coincidental.

Feeling that there might be something more in the book towards the end and wanting to give the author more credit I read the whole thing, and the content I was hoping for never arrived. The story is just unbelievable, the characters are overly violent and lacking in credibility and the Sasquatch itself is more of a footnote.

Not For Kids
I bought this for fun--since I like both adventure fiction and cryptozoology--but it was neither good adventure nor interesting crypto-fiction. Worse, it contained egregious, non-stop violence, cruelty to animals, vulgarity on almost every page, unnecessary sexual innuendo and very little else. There was no character development (a shame, since the main character is an interesting half Indiana Jones-half Grizzly Adams sort of fellow; a character with potential!!), a cardboard plot featuring mostly predictable low-life side characters and somewhat stilted and very unsophisticated writing techniques. I only give 2 stars rather than 1 or fewer because the crypto information was interesting. Don't let your kid read this book; stick to The Call of the Wild instead.

Non-stop action!
This was a great book and I enjoyed every minute of it. The action sequences were great and I liked the way he slipped scientific information about Gigantopithecus into the book.Lee Murphy clearly has alot of talent and I look forward to reading Naitaka. Some people say Sasquatch, I say Sas-watch this author, cause he's going places!

whoa!
what an adventure!
this book scared me and creeped me out! not for the faint of heart is right! i'm looking forward to reading more kodiak adventures! ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. ... Read more

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Along the coastal waterways of Georgia's tidal marshes, there lives a monster that makes the Altamaha River its home. Over 20 feet in length, with a snakelike head atop its long neck, the Altamaha-ha has been sighted dozens of times by those who live along its namesake. A pregnant female struggles to return upriver and give birth. She is bound by those who captured her before, and pursued by others who already killed her mate for where she can lead them. A place marked as the abode of dragons by the Tama Indians, it is also the location of a treasure buried in the final days of the Confederacy. Drawn to the river and caught up in events centuries in the making, Ian becomes the unwitting pawn in a quest for world domination. He soon learns of his link to the Altamaha-ha, and that he must save it, if he is to save himself. Aided only by a few colorful locals, McQuade must defeat the enemies of the Foundation, before its technology is turned into a doomsday device. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Saving the Best for Last
Dallas Tanner's "Wake of the Lake Monster" is one of those rare books. The type where you think you know what you're getting into, but then soon realize you had no idea, and that's a good thing. The reader is grabbed from the beginning and, like a crocodile death roll, isn't let go until the end and even after you finish the characters and events swirl in your head like a whirling dervish. I won't describe anything that happens in the book, that treat is reserved for those who read it. But there is the capable and unique hero and the stunning beauty and a mystery that hits like a ton of bricks. So do yourself a HUGE favor and get "Wake of the Lake Monster". You will not be disappointed.

"Epic?"
"Epic?"

This is the word and question that continued to pop into my mind as I read "Wake of the Lake Monster" by Dallas Tanner.

To be sure I was correct in my impression I looked up the definition of "Epic" and found that I was indeed correct.An Epic is defined as being "very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)."

One gets the sense of this before even beginning to read this engrossing book.In fact, in taking a quick glance inside the back cover we read: "We live on just 10% of the Earth's surface.Only an estimated 10% of all the known species of animals on this planet have been encountered and classified.Cryptozoology is the study of unknown or undiscovered, cryptids, animals out of place or out of time.There are no degrees or curriculum in any college or university to become a cryptozoologist.Ian McQuade tries and fails to become the first, and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime."

And the experiences of Dr. Ian McQuade truly are an adventure.They begin, in fact, with Dallas Tanner's first two novels, which make up the first parts of his trilogy.However, "Wake of the Lake Monster" is so impressive that it stands on it's own as a novel of high adventure.

By the time you reach page 18 of this book you will be hooked.By the time you reach page 52, you will feel as though you can't put it down.You will find yourself drawn into the story as the primary protagonist, Dr. McQuade, recounts the stories of unexplainable creatures in the oldest and most historically reliable documents known to mankind.And, he reasons, if these documents have proven to be correct about everything else, would they not also be correct about the creatures they describe, even if they are not commonly encountered today?And with this, we're off.

The adventures in this "final" installment of Tanner's trilogy begin with McQuade's travels to the northwest where he encounters heretofore unknown tribes with knowledge that is undreamed of by most modern humans.This knowledge enables him to return to the scientifically advanced headquarters of his former employer, the Chimaera foundation, where he again teams up with his former partner, the South American beauty, Alma Del Nephites.

From there, the pair narrowly escapes the armed takeover of the company's technologically advanced facility to follow the clues that they think will lead them on a quest to find, at the very least, mysterious animals.However, as you might imagine if you are familiar with this author, their quest ultimately leads them to buried treasure and forbidden technology.

Before the book is half way finished, Dallas Tanner has identified, most likely correctly, some of the most elusive and widely reported "Lake Monsters" reported. (Including the mysterious Altamaha-ha, which haunts many of the backwater swamps and rivers in the Southeast USA.)But this is only the beginning for him.

It is a pleasure to see this amazingly well read and educated author weave a story incorporating history, advanced technology, and zoology with such skill.As in Tanners' other books, besides being completely enthralled the reader ends up being well educated on topics that stump the average researcher.

So read this book.You will enjoy the ride and end up being much more knowledgeable about science, history, and nature than you would have thought possible from the reading of an adventure story.

If you want to enhance your experience, go back and read Dallas Tanner's first two novels.He takes the same approach to his subject in all three.The third is an epic in itself, while the three in combination exceed any expectations you might have in terms of enjoyment and learning.

Without revealing the conclusion to "Wake of the Sea Serpent" I can at least tell you that in closing the author lays the foundation for another book that promises to be even more exciting than the first three.

Let's hope that he writes that book soon.

The Journey Ends...
Dallas Tanner's WAKE OF THE LAKE MONSTER brings to a close his fascinating series of adventure novels he has titled "The Cryptids Trilogy", in which he introduced us to cryptozoologist Ian McQuade back in 2000 with SHADOW OF THE THUNDERBIRD.

This is not an easy review to write because there is so much to say about this book (and the series) which is good, but in doing so I risk spoilers, which I will not do because the elements that bring this novel to its stunning conclusion are better left for the reader to discover for themselves.

WAKE, while able to stand on its own as an individual novel, is an excellent conclusion to this series where Ian has evolved through very hard-earned experience from something of a "babe-in-the-woods" neophyte, to an experienced scientist and explorer who has come to find he has a darker side to his personality and must learn to deal with, and even use it in order to survive the many dilemmas and dangers he encounters throughout the course of the story. And there are many! As I stated earlier, I will not give anything away, but I was particularly impressed with Dallas' choice for the true identity of the Altamaha-ha. It's not an unheard-of idea, but after reading his theories on it, I have to say I am convinced there may be some real credence to it.

I think I will shut up now, but I can tell you this book is an epic that rises to the challenge Tanner set up for himself with the previous books in this series.

Another great job! ... Read more

Product Description
Dare Island, forty miles off the coast of North Carolina, is known for its wild horses and uninhabited side, which the locals have left largely unexplored. When twelve-year-old Jesse and his friend Lucas discover a giant creature washed up on a Dare Island beach one night, they are launched into the most exciting and perilous adventure of their lives.

Later, near the island's campground, they spot a dangerous-looking creature that looks like a cross between a monkey and a cat. Jesse sends a photograph of the animal to Jasper Callison, a retired biology professor and head of the Society for the Search for Unknown Animals. Jasper decides to investigate, and calls on his old friend Pete, a retired biologist who has worked with him before.

Once arriving on the island they are befriended by Sheriff Tillman Dunn who shares in their adventures. What they find on Dare Island leads Jasper to believe that a monumental change in human history is unfolding before their eyes. Jasper, Pete, Tillman, Jesse, and Lucas are forced to call upon every reserve of strength and courage to survive and to solve The Dare Island Enigma. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

2 minute rewiew
This is a great start for a 1st time author. Can not put a genre on this, horror? yes but alot of fun and imagination. Haven't found a crypto-zoology fiction section in any store--but the creatures in the book(if it IS fiction) would make a fantastic start for the section. The animals are wonderful,scary,and believeable. The people should be afraid and should get the hell off Dare Island. Hey did I hear that one of these things washed up on some beach recently????Yeah it's true----maybe we should be VERY AFRAID----way to go BLAKE

Like a gathering ocean storm...
A cautionary tale that runs the fine line between creationism and evolution, idyllic Dare Island becomes the setting of cataclysmic events that show what lengths the earth will go to maintain the balance of nature and the species upon it.

From the opening scenes of a growing friendship between two adolescent boys, it builds to an unimaginable climax that leaves you wondering why Dare Island and when the rest of the world will begin to find these unidentifiable masses, called globsters, washed up on its shores.

The next time you are beachcombing for starfish and shells, if you happen to see the tracks and the splitting of sand dunes as if a bulldozer has come out of the ocean, don't bother to run. It will already be too late ...

I enjoyed this book but would caution for younger readers due to violent content.

A Highly Imaginative Thriller
The Dare Island Enigma by Blake Templeton-- a highly imaginative thriller that will keep you turning the pages. You cannot second-guess this story as it raises some interesting questions in regards to major gaps within the evolutionary record. Often dark and unsettling (as a good suspense/horror story should be)you will be in for a fascinating journey! ... Read more

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The late Bernard Heuvelmans, founder of the science of cryptozoology and explorer, researcher and writer on the subject, presents the account of his revolutionary and pioneering account of the great beasts that inhabit our oceans. ... Read more

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Ever since humankiind first ventured out onto the oceans, sailors came back with stories of sea monsters. For two hundred years, scientists have been attempting to classify these 'creatures' within an acceptable zoological frame of reference.The most important of these was produced by Professor Bernard Heuvelmans half a century ago. Michael Woodley, takes a look at Heuvelmans' classification model, re-examines it in the light of new discoveries in palaeontology and ichthyology over the past fifty years, and reaches some astounding conclusions. ... Read more

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Kept hidden from mankind forever, it is about to surface.

'When it rises up, the mighty are terrified.'

After a rash of violent attacks throughout the Caribbean, marine biologist Kelly Andrews captures evidence of an unidentified predator in the Atlantic. Something unknown to science, something altogether new . . . or else something very old.

'It makes the depths churn like a boiling cauldron and stirs up the sea.'

Billionaire Oscar Wright also learns of the sea monster's existence, which he considers to be the Biblical Leviathan. Driven mad by grief, the old man devotes his vast fortune to kill the beast for a personal vendetta, harvest its hide as the ultimate trophy.

'Nothing on earth is its equal -- a creature without fear.'

Two separate expeditions race across the ocean to find the animal. And when it's finally discovered, one thing becomes clear: humanity no longer tops the food chain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Unlike Any Other Book But Disappointing
If Dr. Shuker is a scientist, he should know better than to present a subject such as this with utter credulity. Eyewitness testimony is most unreliable but it's the only evidence that exists for the subject of large, land-dwelling or lake-dwelling prehistoric survivors. Dr. Shuker makes no excuses - he believes that these anomalous descriptions are truly extinction survivors. However, the odds of plesiosaurs, sauropods, ceratopsians, etc. existing in the wilds of other continents is a ridiculous proposition. It's much more believable that some of the natives exaggerate their sightings and that the western explorers have fallen for it. I expected a better explanation than "Yes, dinosaurs survive!!".

Dr. Karl Shuker has written Cryptozoological Classic!
I first learned of Dr. Karl Shuker and his incredible book "In Search of Prehistoric Survivors" when I stumbled upon an issue of the British magazine Fortean Times. Noted cryptozoological researcher and author,Loren Coleman, referred toShuker's book (reviewed Fortean Times #87 pg.57) as "a straight forward examination of the idea that creatures fromancient times might have survived into the present" and "anexcellent addition to the library of any zoologist, biologist orcryptozoologist." As a wildlife artist and avid reader of naturalhistory subjects, I have always been drawn to the mysteries of nature.Prior to 1995 I had briefly heard of cryptozoology but had never known ofthe relentless pursuits of this subject by many outstanding scientists andresearchers. I had mostly heard only the tired old legends of Loch Ness,Yeti and Bigfoot. I was pleased to find a book such as "In Searchof Prehistoric Survivors" which introduces the reader to a myriad ofunknown animals, far surpassing any I had come across in some of thepopular natural mystery compilation books.Dr. Shuker's extensivebibliography alone is worth the price of the book. Dr. Shuker issometimes chided for being a zoological romantic hopeful for hisknowledgeable speculations as to the possible identities of thesemysterious animals sighted around the globe. However, he is in good companyin the category of scientific romantic hopefuls which would include BernardHeuvelmans, the late Ivan Sanderson and Dr. Roy Mackal, who contributed aforeward to this book. So true are the words of the English preacherCharles H. Spurgeon answering anyone who would question if there really areinexplicable mysteries in nature. "Some things of nature mustremain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators.Human knowledge has bounds which it cannot pass." Understanding this undeniable truth, Dr. Shuker humbly provides anexcellent guided tour of some of the world's most enigmatic zoologicalmysteries throughout this book. Author Loren Coleman concluded hisreview of "In Search of Prehistoric Survivors" declaring "Few books deserve a place on my cryptozoological 'classics' shelf,but this one certainly does". I must agree and also thank Dr. KarlShuker for inspiring my own research with this meticulously writtenbook.Wildlife Artist,William M. Rebsamen

An authoritative survey.
Dr Shuker's knowledge of cryptozoology is second to none, a fact acknowledged by other senior researchers in this field, and he is uniquely qualified to write this book.He keeps right up to date with newdevelopments in his field, and his views on the creatures he writes aboutare based on careful consideration, rather than wishful thinking as sooften occurs in the literature relating to mystery animals.Dr Shuker is areliable commentator, and all his books are highly readable.

Great overview, but lacks evidence
In Search of Prehistoric Survivors constitutes perhaps the best overviewof cryptozoological sightings of "prehistoric survivors" ever. From living dinosaur-like things to giant thunderbirds to the Nandi Bear,Shuker presents many sightings and discussions of the evidence pro and confor the existence of these creatures in a very readable way accessible toboth professionals and novices.However, the almost complete lack oftesting his hypotheses and scientific evidence for the existence of suchcreatures detracts from the folkloric accounts of what seem like genuine'hidden' animals.The almost complete lack of paleontological knowledgedisplayed is a downside since we need this knowledge to base conclusionsupon the identities of thecreatures.Shuker ignores the facts thatbasilosaurs (zeuglodonts), dinosaurs, and plesiosaurs (among many otherthings) disappeared abruptly 65 and 36 million years ago with little or notrace afterwards.Rather than providing evidence for survival past theproposed extinction dates, Shuker relies on the accounts that he so welldetails as evidence for post-extinction survival.In doing so, Shukerignores the fact that a physical specimen must be needed to be absolutelysure of the identity of the creature.We are mostly talking about outsideappearances in animals that have been extinct for a long long time.True,the mokele-mmbeme, if it exists, does call to mind a sauropod dinosaur, butwithout physical or even very good photographic evidence (which is stilldubious) you cannot dismiss the possibility that it is really just a weirdmammal with a long horn (which is sighted in many sightings) or even thatthe witnesses are viewing something that is not what they described (thelarge turtle hypothesis for sightings of the mokele-mmbeme is poorlydiscussed and the swimming elephant hypothesis is dismissed out of handwithout proof, just a guilt trip without considering the great distancesinvolved in such sightings). Readers must remember that the existence ofmost of these creatures is mostly involved with folklore and others couldwell be hoaxes, lies, or misidentifications.For example the thunderbirdsightings could very well be just sightings of large vultures and eagles,which can lift large things.As another example, supposed basilosaursightings are of creatures that are long and serpentine, but as DarrenNaish points out basilosaurs are not long nor serpentine and do notundulate vertically.A simple review of the paleontological literature andneontological literature should have cleared out errors such as these (plussome bigs ones such as basilosaurs slithering across land, etc. etc. etc.)but Shuker does not cite any references and when he does he cites generalreviews often decades old.This is unacceptable in a book about"prehistoric survivors". Although I agree that the existence ofsuch creatures is not out of the realm of reality, most all of Shuker'sanimals are those that have went extinct millions of years ago and with notrace afterwards.He uses the coelacanth as evidence that creatures couldlive long after their supposed extinction dates but the coelacanth is theextinction date and coelacanths are extremely small and hard to identify(one coelacanth was identified as a mosasaur, another as a bird) ascompared to plesiosaurs, basilosaurs, dinosaurs, etc. With all duerespect to Shuker, his paleontology is out of date and his science needswork. He does make some good cases for survival in things like thethylacine and some other small things but his basic errors detract from theotherwise well-researched and conducted sections like these.The lists anddescription of sightings and his cryptozoology references are very good andconstitute the best parts of the book.However, notwithstanding theerrors, the book is entertaining, even in the poorly researched sections. The book could have been a 'five' but the errors and poor paleontologicalreferencing detract from the high overall quality of the writing, thedescriptions and the discussions

An extremely well-written and highly professional work.
Karl Shuker is fast becoming one of the world's top cryptozoologists. A professional scientist, Dr. Shuker is not afraid to tread where other scientists dare not go. Although still on the fringes of science,cryptozoology is fast gaining respectability mainly through the efforts ofpeople like Karl Shuker. 'Prehistoric Survivors' is a land mark in thepursuit and study of mystery animals, and is destined to become acollectorsvolume. With work of this standard, it is easy to see whyDr.Shukers book are become so sought after by serious scientists andlay-people alike. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
I'm 126 years old. This is my 4,500th incarnation." -Dr. Bob, as profiled in Encounters With the Strange and Unexplained

* The National UFO Reporting Center averages 332 unexplained alien sightings each month, and the Gallup Organization reports that more than 32 percent of Americans believe in ghosts.

In the summer of 2006, award-winning photographer Matt Hoyle took a paranormal road trip across the United States. He photographed 60 witnesses to alien spacecraft, murky swamp creatures, and demonic house poltergeists.

* Chronicling these encounters through both written and photographic profiles, Hoyle presents a spectrum of specter--loving and--loathing believers in Encounters With the Strange and Unexplained.

* Hoyle's award-winning photography is known for its rich character and post-production treatment that re-creates both the mood and setting of the environments his portraits depict. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Photogragh book with a little side story
This book is just pictures of people who have seen mysterious things and a paragraph or two of there experince. It is only a coffe table book to start a converstation with people no real story at all,the pictures are great though.It is a easy read. ... Read more

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Explore the New Frontiers of Nature

Neo-Giants, hairy, upright creatures-the classic Sasquatch-spotted and filmed by two men in Six Rivers National Forest, California...

True Giants, like the "nyalmo" of the Himalayas, the cannibals of folklore, often fifteen feet tall, leave startling two foot long, four-toed tracks in the mud and snow...

Merbeings, known as "chupacabras," spiny-backed primates frequently blamed for the mutilation of sheep, goats, and other animals, sighted last year in Puerto Rico, the United States and Brazil...

Thousands of reports of a wide variety of mysterious primates have intrigued humans since the beginning of recorded history, yet these shy and reclusive beings have eluded the most diligent attempts to verify their existence. Here is the first-ever comprehensive study on an astonishing variety of puzzling apelike and humanlike animals that are still being seen today. This fully referenced volume includes range maps and typical footprints for each type of undiscovered creature sighted around the world, as well as:Actual eyewitness accounts of sightingsDetailed IllustrationsNewest findings in an exciting branch of cryptozoologyLikeliest locales and most common subtypes for sightingAdvice on what to do if a sighting occursAnd much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

A good overview
This book's strength is its geographical listings of bizarre creatures that haunt the dark places in our world. From Bigfoot and Yeti to "merbeings," this book covers it all. You'll discover that, even in America, Bigfoot has pseudonyms - such as Skunk Ape and MoMo. The entries, which describe the creatures' suspected habitats, include sightings.

A good read!
Overall I enjoyed this book. The material was presented seriously but with small touches of humor that lightened what could have been an otherwise dry read. After a lifelong interest, I have begun to research the subject seriously to prepare for my first "hunt". This is the first of several books I have ordered to add to my library, and I would recommend it to anyone who is as interested in the subject as I am.
That being said I did have a few problems......
First is the books length. I read it cover to cover in one evening, and I was hoping for something a little more in depth. The illustrations were nice but I don't think that they really added that much, and I would have liked a little more actual information.
Second is the aquatic or "merbeing" treatment in the book. I understand that the authors included these reports in an attempt to cover the subject a thoroughly as possible, but mermaids....I thought that was a bit silly. I realize that most people would consider the subject of Bigfoot itself to be pushing the limits of believability and that some suspension of disbelief is necessary to even consider the possibility seriously. I just felt that by including aquatic primates in the subject matter only damaged the credibility of an already incredible topic.
All that aside I enjoyed the book, and I feel that it would make a fine addition to any collection of the strange and unusual.

Good guide, great drawings, awesome theories
This is an awesome field guide, which has lots of information on the history, the up-to-date cases, and the various types that indicate these are more than hoaxes. The references and material up front and after the case descriptions give a good overview that I guess some reviewers completely missed.

What a great read...

Bigfoot, Bigmistake
Although attempting to be a pack-along "Field Guide" for any encounter with an unknown creature, you suddenly realize that most of the contents of this "Field Guide" is reaching for information that just is not available. If though, you are on a camping trip and wish to wow your younger audience, this could be your guide. It is even illustrated with black and white line drawings with what is described in the descriptions. To be blunt, more a field guide for someone in the past few centuries than any actual case evidence. I had been looking for more theory and evidence than just meer far reaching speculations. I hope to find another book on this subject that will deal with hard factual evidence to scrutinize, rather than just more old conjecture.

great book
if you're fascinated by the field of cryptozoology,or if the field is new to you,or maybe you're into archaeology,or maybe just into folklore from around the world,this is one of the books for you.you might have had a sighting yourself and just can't seem to articulate exactly what it looked like;there's a chance it might be illustrated here. ... Read more

Product Description
Rylan Walker and his partner in crime, anthropologist Ursula Deiss, push deep into a dangerous rain forest in Madagascar with a group of scientists. In the jungle, they find a population of cryptic man-like primates. Their discovery quickly draws them into a vortex of an ancient conspiracy that is bound to change mankind's destiny.

Enriched with extensive facts drawn from the fields of anthropology, swarm intelligence, and information science, Talus takes the readers from one vibrant location to another, zapping them from Madagascar's uncharted rain forests to Oxford's dark libraries and from Paris's melancholic back streets to Sicily's sunny vineyards.

About the Author:

Dr. Erol Ozan is a professor of information technology at East Carolina University. He has degrees in electrical engineering, applied physics, and engineering management. Dr. Ozan's research projects have been sponsored by variousprestigious organizations including NASA and the National Science Foundation.

To learn more about Dr. Ozan go to www.erolozan.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Somewhere between the Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (08/10)

Rylan is a science geek brought into an anthropological expedition, or so he thinks.He meets Ursula, the daughter of a world renowned anthropologist, with a hidden agenda.After the expedition goes horribly wrong Rylan learns that there was much more behind it than research.

He is thrown into a world of hidden organizations and intrigue.A secret organization wants to either benefit from or if necessary, destroy the creatures that were discovered during the expedition.And they can get them no matter where they go.

Ursula's now deceased father sends her around the world looking for clues to this mysterious organization.They must decipher his clues if they want to live and stop the organization from killing off the creatures.

I was very surprised by this novel.I was expecting a Bigfoot type story.Instead it is an intriguing story that fits somewhere between the Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones.It is well written with little to no down time.The story is fast paced and exhilarating.I was entrenched in the story right up to the very end and could not put the book down till I was done.

The author does a fantastic job of grabbing the reader's attention and holding on throughout the book.However, I was slightly disappointed with the end of the book as I felt there could have been just a bit more resolution presented.But overall the ending does wrap the book up nicely even if it requires some speculation on the reader's side.

Modern Indiana Jones based on real theories
I am an anthropologist and like science fiction books with anthropological elements. I was impressed that this book was based on facts and real theories (fact: Neanderthals, real theory: the existence of other human-like creatures - big foot etc - , now). It reads a little like a modern day Indiana Jones but the author creates his own fictional theory, which is also interesting, based on real scientific understanding. I read this during vacation and it was light enough to be a beach book. Overall I enjoyed it. ... Read more

Product Description
Writer and English Professor Odell Shepard was an instructor of English at Harvard University and Radcliffe College in 1916-1917. He was Goodwin Professor of English at Trinity College, Harford, Connecticut, from 1917-1946, and a guest lecturer there from 1946-1966. He was the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut from 1940-1943.

Shepard's won the Pulitzer Prize for his academic biography of Bronson Alcott, Pedlar's Progress: The Life of Bronson Alcott (Little, Brown, 1937). Jenkins' Ear (Macmillan, 1951) was a Book-of-the-Month selection. Shepard also wrote collections of poetry, textbooks, essays, a fishing guide, and several histories, and this curious book, The Lore of the Unicorn.

Odell Shepard died on July 19, 1967, in New London, Connecticut.--J.B. Hare ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

One of the Most Educational Treatments of Unicorns Out There
This is a very academic, dry text so not especially suited to light reading.However, if you want to know unicorns inside and out, this is the book to go too.It's extremely in-depth and covers many, many myths and beliefs of unicorns across time and culture.Anyone who really wants to understand unicorns and their position in history and culture should make an effort to read this book.

Always a Classic
I recieved my first copy when it first came out!It was one of my first unicorn books, and i was just a kid.I loved it, it got me into history, mythology and helped me understand a lot about the unicorn in general.

this book is a great reference for unicorn mythology, lore, pictoral reference and anything else you can use it for.I have actually used it in my own artwork , i have done illustrations of all the unicorns in the book, as a kid i had made it a goal, the unicorn, monoceras, kirrin, abath, re'em and everything in between.it was actually a book that got me to get up and do something.it got me to study that mythical beast that is always in my dreams and near me in some way...

from the mythology of the unicorn's creation, to Jesus, to Satan to whatever else this creature has pranced though

You can tell so much how dedicated this author was, i have even found references in fiction and fantasy books about this author and his wonderful book (Unicorn Mountain). this book is a must-have, must-read book for anyone who likes unicorns.It is always in the bibliography section of unicorn books, and it itself has a great bibliography, which i love so that i can get those books!!

i recommend this book above all others if you like the rich history of the elusive and magnificent Unicorn!

First Rate
If you have any experience with Dover publications, you'll know to expect something terrific.You won't be mistaken.Odell Shepard presents a work of such thorough, painstaking scholarship, it should be held up as a model for what scholarship ought to be.In fact, you get a pretty good sense of the history of scholarliness itself, reading this.If you find yourself sort of hypnotized by the excitement of looking over the shoulders of centuries worth of savants, I recommend you also read anything by Anthony Grafton, who writes about issues in the history of Renaissance scholarship.Another thing -- what a beautiful writing style this Odell Shepard possesses.His prose is characterized by an exacting usage of language (languages, I should say, because he apparently has a fluency with Latin, Greek, French, Italian, and probably other languages as well), and also by a taste for baroque, nineteenth century sentence structure.Really beautiful stuff.He loves his subject, and he loves the way it has been handed down through the ages.Two thumbs up.

Absolutely Superb!
I've been looking for a while for an all-encompassing, in-depth text on the historical significance and study of the unicorn.This book is it.It is filled to the brim with hundreds and hundreds of facts, accounts, testimonials, examinations and analyses of the unicorn throughout history.I was deeply disappointed in reading Roy Wilkinson's sappy "Are You A Unicorn?" This book compensates extensively where other books about the unicorn have failed.Especially interesting are juxtaposed conjectures and certainties of the unicorn.Wonderfully written and thoroughly researched, this is the truest guide to the Unicorn if ever there was one.

excellent research guide
i wanted an indepth look at the history and origin of the unicorn. i got it. this book is incredibly well reaserched and very thorough. probably the best book on mythological animals i have ever seen. the only complaint ihad was that the author seemed a bit taken with himself. i kept adictionary next to the book and used it on an average of once every two tothree pages. he also tended to quote from the greek and latin, and neglectto translate it. but for a serious knowledge quest or research on a paper,this is the book you want. ... Read more