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Cryptids & Contested Creatures
Cryptids & Contested Creatures
An Illustrated Compendium of Mysterious Beasts, Legendary Creatures, and Cryptozoological Wonders from Around the World
Every continent harbours its share of the panthers prowling English moors, enormous footprints left in the Himalayan snow, serpents of impossible size coiling through turbulent waters, and silent predators with glowing eyes capable of vanishing into the jungle without a trace.
Cryptids & Contested Creatures explores humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown across six richly illustrated chapters examining beasts that defied belief until proven real, phantom cats and black dogs that stalk the shadows, lake monsters and sea serpents of impossible scale, human-like creatures from Bigfoot to the Yeti, beings that defy nature's laws, and nightmarish entities that blur the line between flesh and folklore.
From the Black Swan paradox that shattered centuries of scientific certainty to modern encounters in remote wilderness, each entry draws on historical accounts, indigenous traditions, expedition journals, and eyewitness testimony. Discover the Mngwa of Tanzania, the Bunyip of Australia, the Wendigo of frozen forests, the Mokele-mbembe lurking in Congo's swamps, and dozens more creatures that refuse to vanish from our world despite science's best efforts to dismiss them.
Beautifully illustrated with Victorian-style engravings and
Over 40 cryptids organized by type and behaviourRegional appendix cataloguing creatures by continentExtensive bibliography of cryptozoological researchHistorical context from black swans to living fossilsFor readers
Cryptozoology and Fortean mysteriesFolklore, mythology, and monster huntingNatural history and zoological anomaliesAnyone who believes the world is larger and stranger than we dare imagineFrom the Library Mirabilis series - Victorian-inspired volumes for collectors, cryptozoologists, sceptics, believers, and all who treasure the unexplained.
For doubters seeking evidence, believers collecting wonder, and all who sense the world is larger and stranger than we dare imagine.
An Illustrated Compendium of Mysterious Beasts, Legendary Creatures, and Cryptozoological Wonders from Around the World
Every continent harbours its share of the panthers prowling English moors, enormous footprints left in the Himalayan snow, serpents of impossible size coiling through turbulent waters, and silent predators with glowing eyes capable of vanishing into the jungle without a trace.
Cryptids & Contested Creatures explores humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown across six richly illustrated chapters examining beasts that defied belief until proven real, phantom cats and black dogs that stalk the shadows, lake monsters and sea serpents of impossible scale, human-like creatures from Bigfoot to the Yeti, beings that defy nature's laws, and nightmarish entities that blur the line between flesh and folklore.
From the Black Swan paradox that shattered centuries of scientific certainty to modern encounters in remote wilderness, each entry draws on historical accounts, indigenous traditions, expedition journals, and eyewitness testimony. Discover the Mngwa of Tanzania, the Bunyip of Australia, the Wendigo of frozen forests, the Mokele-mbembe lurking in Congo's swamps, and dozens more creatures that refuse to vanish from our world despite science's best efforts to dismiss them.
Beautifully illustrated with Victorian-style engravings and
Over 40 cryptids organized by type and behaviourRegional appendix cataloguing creatures by continentExtensive bibliography of cryptozoological researchHistorical context from black swans to living fossilsFor readers
Cryptozoology and Fortean mysteriesFolklore, mythology, and monster huntingNatural history and zoological anomaliesAnyone who believes the world is larger and stranger than we dare imagineFrom the Library Mirabilis series - Victorian-inspired volumes for collectors, cryptozoologists, sceptics, believers, and all who treasure the unexplained.
For doubters seeking evidence, believers collecting wonder, and all who sense the world is larger and stranger than we dare imagine.
203 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 4, 2025
My inner cryptozoologist was chanting "I want to believe"
Opening with tales of fantastical creatures turned scientific truth like the saola, Komodo dragon, playtpus, and gorilla, Cryptids & Contested Creatures sets a serious and schollarly tone before delving into realms of fable and fantasy... but as the foreward and introductory chapters prove, fantasy can become fact with little more than coincidence masquerading as proof.
Accompanied by beautiful yet disturbing sketches, we are taken on a jouney all over the globe touching on similar cryptids across disparate regions & cultures. There were plenty of familiar faces, to be sure, and, although I've always considered myself well-versed in cryptid lore, there were many I'd never heard of before. The Tatzelwurm anyone? The book's organization or cryptid 'classifications' were well conceived, grouping airborne, terrestrial, aquatic, and subterranean into distinct groups. This served to highlight the similarities across cultures and regions in a way that made everything interconnect despite distance and cultural differences.
As I was reading, I found myself thinking "You know what would make this tome absolutely rock? An indexed list of cryptids folks could reference." And guess what? There is one at the end of the book, sorted by region, and alphabetized for ease of use. Brilliant.
If you're looking for a book that's filled with in-depth stories, this might not be what you're seeking. This is more a reference guide, with basic background and origins of these mysterious creatures. Highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the mysterious.
Opening with tales of fantastical creatures turned scientific truth like the saola, Komodo dragon, playtpus, and gorilla, Cryptids & Contested Creatures sets a serious and schollarly tone before delving into realms of fable and fantasy... but as the foreward and introductory chapters prove, fantasy can become fact with little more than coincidence masquerading as proof.
Accompanied by beautiful yet disturbing sketches, we are taken on a jouney all over the globe touching on similar cryptids across disparate regions & cultures. There were plenty of familiar faces, to be sure, and, although I've always considered myself well-versed in cryptid lore, there were many I'd never heard of before. The Tatzelwurm anyone? The book's organization or cryptid 'classifications' were well conceived, grouping airborne, terrestrial, aquatic, and subterranean into distinct groups. This served to highlight the similarities across cultures and regions in a way that made everything interconnect despite distance and cultural differences.
As I was reading, I found myself thinking "You know what would make this tome absolutely rock? An indexed list of cryptids folks could reference." And guess what? There is one at the end of the book, sorted by region, and alphabetized for ease of use. Brilliant.
If you're looking for a book that's filled with in-depth stories, this might not be what you're seeking. This is more a reference guide, with basic background and origins of these mysterious creatures. Highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the mysterious.
December 30, 2025
A list of Legends!
I’m a big fan of myths and legends. I like to believe that a myth was started by a person who saw that creature for a moment then their encounter grew into a legend. This book shows that a near sighting can spark the imagination until eyes and evidence is taken but sometimes these creatures stay myth, only showing themselves when they want. I love this book! It was a great read and I loved reading about other cryptids in other countries.
I’m a big fan of myths and legends. I like to believe that a myth was started by a person who saw that creature for a moment then their encounter grew into a legend. This book shows that a near sighting can spark the imagination until eyes and evidence is taken but sometimes these creatures stay myth, only showing themselves when they want. I love this book! It was a great read and I loved reading about other cryptids in other countries.
December 5, 2025
fun surprise
Cryptids & Contested Creatures was such a fun surprise. I went in expecting a quirky fantasy, but what I got was a rich, clever, and unexpectedly heart-warming story set in a world that feels both magical and lived-in. The author blends mystery, folklore, and sharp character work in a way that makes every chapter feel like a discovery.
What I loved most was how the cryptids weren’t just background set pieces—they matter to the plot, to the characters, and to the emotional stakes. Each creature is described with such vivid detail that I could picture them perfectly. The world-building is handled with a light touch, revealing just enough at the right times to keep me turning pages.
The cast is another standout. They’re flawed in believable ways, quick-witted without feeling forced, and their relationships give the book a real sense of heart. By the end, I felt like I’d actually visited the Library Mirabilis myself.
If you love stories that mix folklore, mystery, and a dash of whimsy—while still delivering tension and adventure—this one is a must-read. I already grabbed the next book because I’m not ready to leave this world.
Cryptids & Contested Creatures was such a fun surprise. I went in expecting a quirky fantasy, but what I got was a rich, clever, and unexpectedly heart-warming story set in a world that feels both magical and lived-in. The author blends mystery, folklore, and sharp character work in a way that makes every chapter feel like a discovery.
What I loved most was how the cryptids weren’t just background set pieces—they matter to the plot, to the characters, and to the emotional stakes. Each creature is described with such vivid detail that I could picture them perfectly. The world-building is handled with a light touch, revealing just enough at the right times to keep me turning pages.
The cast is another standout. They’re flawed in believable ways, quick-witted without feeling forced, and their relationships give the book a real sense of heart. By the end, I felt like I’d actually visited the Library Mirabilis myself.
If you love stories that mix folklore, mystery, and a dash of whimsy—while still delivering tension and adventure—this one is a must-read. I already grabbed the next book because I’m not ready to leave this world.
December 7, 2025
This book is basically a history of cryptids. This book starts by invoking the reader’s curiosity. The author does a good job setting up what is to come. Then there are stories about animals that used to be considered myths, only to be found in real life. This wets the reader’s appetite for what else might be out there and what else is in the book. I enjoyed the chapter on animals that have appeared outside of their natural habitat. It’s fun to think about a kangaroo or hippo showing up near your home. I enjoyed learning about what the ocean can create with carcasses, leading to speculation about what mysterious creature has been found. The chapter on human created hoaxes showed how greed and credulity led to forged creatures. These are just some of the fun and interesting parts of this book. Overall, I found this book well written and interesting. It blends history, human and psychology in fascinating ways. I would recommend it to lovers of creature myths and lovers of history.
December 16, 2025
A. Wells delivers another magnificent compendium exploring humanity's enduring fascination with mysterious beasts. From sea serpents and the Loch Ness monster, to Sasquatch, Mothman, and the Jersey Devil, this beautifully illustrated Victorian-style volume catalogs cryptids across six richly researched chapters, drawing on historical accounts, indigenous traditions, expedition journals, and eyewitness testimony. An extensive bibliography provides plenty of material for additional research.
Whether you’re a true believer or hardened skeptic, you’ll treasure this unusual tome. Wells treats each creature – Mngwa, Bunyip, Wendigo, Mokele-mbembe – with scholarly respect, while maintaining a sense of wonder. As the Black Swan paradox reminds us, science is a certainty – until it isn’t. For anyone who's heard cryptid stories and wondered "what if?" this meticulously compiled Library Mirabilis volume proves essential. Because the world remains stranger than we imagine.
Whether you’re a true believer or hardened skeptic, you’ll treasure this unusual tome. Wells treats each creature – Mngwa, Bunyip, Wendigo, Mokele-mbembe – with scholarly respect, while maintaining a sense of wonder. As the Black Swan paradox reminds us, science is a certainty – until it isn’t. For anyone who's heard cryptid stories and wondered "what if?" this meticulously compiled Library Mirabilis volume proves essential. Because the world remains stranger than we imagine.
December 31, 2025
Everytime I read a book from this author in this series I find something interesting. This was close to end and just blew my mind: One well-known documented example of Wendigo psychosis involved Jack Fiddler, an Ojibwe-Cree spiritual leader who, along with his brother Joseph, gained notoriety for reportedly killing individuals they believed were turning into Wendigos.
I didnt know that! Also the images in this and all the other books in the series just scratch my brain in all the right ways I just love them. Such a good read.
I didnt know that! Also the images in this and all the other books in the series just scratch my brain in all the right ways I just love them. Such a good read.
January 9, 2026
cool read
This felt like walking through an old museum or secret library where every page had something odd and interesting waiting for me. The mix of true stories, old legends, and creepy drawings grabbed my attention right away, and I kept pausing just to look at everything. It’s the kind of book you read when you want to feel curious again, and I finished it already wishing there was more.
This felt like walking through an old museum or secret library where every page had something odd and interesting waiting for me. The mix of true stories, old legends, and creepy drawings grabbed my attention right away, and I kept pausing just to look at everything. It’s the kind of book you read when you want to feel curious again, and I finished it already wishing there was more.
November 30, 2025
Each illustrated volume transports you to quietly mythical realms of imagination—where myth and curiosity blend effortlessly. The creature's sketch is minimal because there is no actual image. This book appeals to lovers of old bookshops, museum halls, or the thrill of uncovering forgotten knowledge. It provides a sense of home for those seeking wonder.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews