Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology - (McFarland Myth and Legend Encyclopedias) Annotated by Michael Newton (Paperback)

About the Book

On every continent and in every nation, animals unrecognized by modern science are reported on a daily basis. People passionately pursue these creatures--the name given to their field of study is cryptozoology. Coined in the 1950's, the term literally means the science of hidden animals. When the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) was formed in 1982, the founders declared that the branch of science is also concerned with "the possible existence of known animals in areas where they are not supposed to occur (either now or in the past) as well as the unknown persistence of presumed extinct animals to the present time or to the recent pastwhat makes an animal of interest to cryptology is that it is unexpected.

Book Synopsis

On every continent and in every nation, animals unrecognized by modern science are reported on a daily basis. People passionately pursue these creatures--the name given to their field of study is cryptozoology. Coined in the 1950s, the term literally means the science of hidden animals. When the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) was formed in 1982, the founders declared that the branch of science is also concerned with "the possible existence of known animals in areas where they are not supposed to occur (either now or in the past) as well as the unknown persistence of presumed extinct animals to the present time or to the recent past...what makes an animal of interest to cryptology is that it is unexpected."

This reference work presents a "flesh and blood" view of cryptozoology. Here, 2,744 entries are listed, the majority of which each describe one specific creature or type of creature. Other entries cover 742 places where unnamed cryptids are said to appear; profiles of 77 groups and 112 individuals who have contributed to the field; descriptions of objects and events important to the subject; and essays on cryptotourism and hoaxes, for example. Appendices offer a timeline of zoological discoveries, annotated lists of movies and television series with cryptozoological themes, a list of crypto-fiction titles and a list of Internet websites devoted to cryptozoology.

Review Quotes

"fascinating...excellent"--Booklist; "recommended"--Library Journal; "detailed..impeccably resourced...recommended"--Choice; "unique...much more extensive than previous works in the field"--ARBA; "packs in the research...recommended"--Midwest Book Review; "scholarly"--American Libraries; "has so much material within its covers it makes the mind boggle...this work doubles any other volume on cryptozoology...an important resource...will certainly fascinate readers...enjoyable reading...a valued addition"--The Quarterly Review of Biology; "an extensive piece of work...useful...excellent"--Reference Reviews; "a treasure trove of new sources and info for cryptozoology fans...awesome...comprehensive, informed, well written, balanced and unbiased...the most thorough chronicle of cryptozoology so far...definitive work...fascinating...buy it, buy it, buy it now"--Fortean Times; "an eye opening publication...sets the record straight...worthy resource...massive volume is long overdue...a must have...highly recommended"--Myeyez.net; "thorough...useful"--North American BioFortean Review; "recommend[ed]"--Bigfoot Forums; "scope of this entertaining survey is worldwide"--Lawrence Looks at Books; "outstanding...user-friendly...stunning cryptozoology timeline...clear and to the point...a very important work and a worthwhile addition to the growing science of cryptozoology"--Fate; "user friendly...very useful...wonderful...clear and to the point...very important...worthwhile...a must-have"--Bigfoot Times.

About the Author

The late Michael Newton, an award-winning author of numerous books on topics ranging from cryptozoology to civil rights and organized crime, lived in Indiana.