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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.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 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 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.
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 - 3 of 3 reviews