BIGFOOT - The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality

by John Russell Napier

An investigation, by a primate biologist, into the alleged existence of the Abominable Snowman, or yeti, of the Himalayas & of his "cousin" the Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, of the Pacific Northwest.

Genres: Cryptozoology, Bigfoot, Monsters, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published November 2, 1972

About the author

British primatologist, paleoanthropologist & physician, who is notable for his work with Homo habilis.
Napier was one of the first notable scientists to give serious attention to the Bigfoot/Sasquatch phenomenon. His investigations included interviewing amateur investigators and purported eyewitnesses, visiting alleged Bigfoot sighting areas, studying the scant physical evidence, and screening the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, which he concluded was a clever hoax.

Reviews

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fascinating book written before the huge interest in Bigfoot. I would label the author to a skeptic but one that relies upon facts however selective. Having read many Bigfoot books, I enjoyed the authors views which described less than 400 sightings in total in Canada and Northern California. Today we have more than that number in one year! Since we do not have a body yet, I am willing to consider all points of view.

[East Bay J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ol’ Bigfoot. I want to believe so badly but… well… y’know. No real evidence. Faked films. Lies. Deceit. Trickery.

John Napier, as a primate specialist and scientist, does a fine job of analyzing the Yeti and Sasquatch myths, the evidence, the legends, the sightings, etc. I like how he discusses the fact that Sherpas aren’t the best source of information because they don’t delineate between the “reality” of reality and the “reality” of their mythology. I think that phenomenon goes a long way towards explaining the Yeti. The Roger Patterson film is discussed at length and an Appendix includes a scientific analysis of the film by Dr. D. W. Grieve. In all, given the subject, Bigfoot is very well done.

The problem? This book was published in 1972. The Patterson film was long ago exposed as a hoax. A lot of water has passed under the Bigfoot bridge in the last almost forty years. I’d like to read a recently written Bigfoot book. Except I suspect it would have no more answers than this one, new evidence or no.

Best quote from this book: “The banana skins of life are ready and waiting for the over confident, the elderly and the drunk.” Oh, Napier, that is so, so true.

If anyone out there decides to make a Bigfoot movie, please use the Mac Wiseman And The Country Boys recording of “Little Footsteps In The Snow” from the Country Music & Bluegrass At Newport 1963 album as the music under the opening credits.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does exactly what the title says. It discusses the Yeti and Sasquatch in myth and, yes, in reality. John Napier was one of the first "serious" scientists to study the Bigfoot phenomenon. Napier examines the available evidence, delving in detail into such infamous cases as the Cripplefoot (notably stating, "It is very difficult to conceive of a hoaxer so subtle, so knowledgeable -- and so sick -- who would deliberately fake a footprint of this nature") and Minnesota Iceman (which Napier suggests should be nominated for a "Barnum award"). These are great little historical glimpses for the Bigfoot aficionado.

Napier also gives a discussion on the role of myth in society, suggesting that, even if no Bigfoot is ever brought to public light, its legend has value on its own. Society is built on legends and shared beliefs, Napier says, and Bigfoot is one of those. Hear that, researchers? If you kill a Bigfoot you will also be brutally murdering the innocent hopes, dreams, and ideologies of millions of people all over the world. It's like when your team loses the NBA finals, but worse, and with Sasquatch.

Anyway, Bigfoot: The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality is altogether a refreshingly even-handed approach, and possibly the best Bigfoot book you haven't read.

[Gordon Brillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable! A biologist and bigfoot believer examines the myths and evidence surrounding yetis and Sasquatches. Fun if brief reports of various sightings and encounters. The most interesting bits are hearing him use established zoological or ecological concepts to debunk certain assertions, such as how the PNW is most likely an environment too nutrient-scarce to sustain a population of enormous herbivorous primates. Also interesting to see the author wrestle with the limits of his own rationalism - at times he seems too willing to take each piece of evidence at face value, giving the benefit of scrutiny to stories or footprints that common sense would handwave away. When something does not yet have a satisfactory explanation, he seems too quick to put that in the pro-Bigfoot column, never allowing that science may continue on a path of progress that will debunk things further.

Establishes a great device for describing the headspace where scientific rigor and skepticism are put in the bin for the sake of argument: entering the Goblin Universe. Definitely stealing that one.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting, but interesting, but took me too long to get through.

[Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only because I can't give it less than one star. Took way too long to read, even though my reading suffers during baseball season. Even by cryptozoology "standards" this is bad. I saw it on my parents' shelf as a kid and finally picked it up. Wishing I had left it there.

[Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yikes. Squatches are an interesting fantasy and all, but this reads like a rambling high school paper. Part of it is that there isn't any real evidence, certainly not enough to fill a book with, but partly it's just poorly written. Lots of filler and conjecture and not much real info.

It's a myth and there's literally no evidence to support the theory or, unfortunately, a book on the subject. If you need me, I'm gone squatchin'.

[Theresahpir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1973, it would be an understatement to say that this book is outdated, but its one of those 'classics' of Bigfoot research that anyone with an interest in the subject should at least be aware of. If you're looking for evidence of Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch, etc...you won't really find it here, but if you're interested in how big a female Sasquatch's breasts are, its mentioned at least four times!

[Myron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Factually, this book is worthless. However, it is fun to read as a fantasy of sorts or to get a grasp of the pseudoscience of cryptozoology.