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A Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts: Encounters with Cryptid Creatures
Draw Back the Curtain and Marvel at the Amazing Collection of Mysterious Beasts Within
Join cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard on an enigmatic journey through the world of mysterious beasts, exploring eyewitness encounters with creatures thought to exist only in myths and legends. This compelling compendium presents a wide variety of astounding and bizarre creatures, from the Minnesota Iceman to the White Bluff Screamer to the Texas T. rex.
Discover the fascinating history and modern case studies of ape-men roaming the Americas. Experience captivating, first-hand accounts of dragon, werewolf, and mermaid sightings from Europe to Australia. Featuring sea monsters, colossal insects, enormous eagles, oversized amphibians, and more, A Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts is the ultimate resource for cryptid creature enthusiasts.
Praise:
"In his new book, Ken Gerhard--the Indiana Jones of monster-hunting--provides us with an absolute smorgasbord of unknown animals."--Nick Redfern, author of Chupacabra Road Trip
"Ken Gerhard's writings are always replete with original research and hitherto-unpublished reports. A Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts is no exception--a monstrously good, thoroughly entertaining, and highly informative read for cryptozoology fans everywhere!"--Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker, author of A Manifestation of Monsters
"Ken Gerhard deftly blends authentic historical accounts with piles of new eyewitness reports to create a heady, global cocktail of cryptid mysteries."--Linda S. Godfrey, author of American Monsters
"After reading this menagerie of the damned you will be in no doubt that monsters are real."--Richard Freeman, author of Dragons
"Ken brings us an excellent read, a combination of his own personal investigations and direct eyewitness testimony. Importantly, the book flows very well as it deals with a variety of cryptids, including more controversial subjects which he is to be credited for not shying away from."--Adam Davies, cryptozoologist and explorer
Join cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard on an enigmatic journey through the world of mysterious beasts, exploring eyewitness encounters with creatures thought to exist only in myths and legends. This compelling compendium presents a wide variety of astounding and bizarre creatures, from the Minnesota Iceman to the White Bluff Screamer to the Texas T. rex.
Discover the fascinating history and modern case studies of ape-men roaming the Americas. Experience captivating, first-hand accounts of dragon, werewolf, and mermaid sightings from Europe to Australia. Featuring sea monsters, colossal insects, enormous eagles, oversized amphibians, and more, A Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts is the ultimate resource for cryptid creature enthusiasts.
Praise:
"In his new book, Ken Gerhard--the Indiana Jones of monster-hunting--provides us with an absolute smorgasbord of unknown animals."--Nick Redfern, author of Chupacabra Road Trip
"Ken Gerhard's writings are always replete with original research and hitherto-unpublished reports. A Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts is no exception--a monstrously good, thoroughly entertaining, and highly informative read for cryptozoology fans everywhere!"--Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker, author of A Manifestation of Monsters
"Ken Gerhard deftly blends authentic historical accounts with piles of new eyewitness reports to create a heady, global cocktail of cryptid mysteries."--Linda S. Godfrey, author of American Monsters
"After reading this menagerie of the damned you will be in no doubt that monsters are real."--Richard Freeman, author of Dragons
"Ken brings us an excellent read, a combination of his own personal investigations and direct eyewitness testimony. Importantly, the book flows very well as it deals with a variety of cryptids, including more controversial subjects which he is to be credited for not shying away from."--Adam Davies, cryptozoologist and explorer
215 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2016
18 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Ken Gerhard
15 books24 followersKen Gerhard is a professional monster hunter and has investigated reports of mysterious beasts around the world including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabra, giant winged creatures like Mothman and Thunderbirds and even werewolves.
In addition to appearing in three episodes of the television series Monster Quest (History Channel), Texan Cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard is featured in the History Channel special The Real Wolfman, as well as Legend Hunters (Travel Channel/A&E), Paranatural (National Geographic), Ultimate Encounters (truTV) and William Shatner's Weird or What? (History Television). His credits include multiple appearances on Coast to Coast AM, major news broadcasts and Ireland’s Newstalk radio, as well as being featured in major books and in articles by the Associated Press, Houston Chronicle and Tampa Tribune.
Ken is author of the book Big Bird: Modern Sightings of Flying Monsters, as well as the co-author of Monsters of Texas (with Nick Redfern) and has contributed to trade publications including Fate Magazine, Animals and Men, The Journal of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club and Bigfoot Times.
Ken has traveled to twenty-six different countries on six continents and almost all of the United States. An avid adventurer, he has camped along the Amazon Jungle, explored the Galapagos Islands, hiked the Australian Outback and has visited many ancient and mysterious sites from Machu Pichu to Stonehenge to Australia, Thailand and Tunisia.
He currently lectures and exhibits at events across the United States.
In addition to appearing in three episodes of the television series Monster Quest (History Channel), Texan Cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard is featured in the History Channel special The Real Wolfman, as well as Legend Hunters (Travel Channel/A&E), Paranatural (National Geographic), Ultimate Encounters (truTV) and William Shatner's Weird or What? (History Television). His credits include multiple appearances on Coast to Coast AM, major news broadcasts and Ireland’s Newstalk radio, as well as being featured in major books and in articles by the Associated Press, Houston Chronicle and Tampa Tribune.
Ken is author of the book Big Bird: Modern Sightings of Flying Monsters, as well as the co-author of Monsters of Texas (with Nick Redfern) and has contributed to trade publications including Fate Magazine, Animals and Men, The Journal of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club and Bigfoot Times.
Ken has traveled to twenty-six different countries on six continents and almost all of the United States. An avid adventurer, he has camped along the Amazon Jungle, explored the Galapagos Islands, hiked the Australian Outback and has visited many ancient and mysterious sites from Machu Pichu to Stonehenge to Australia, Thailand and Tunisia.
He currently lectures and exhibits at events across the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 9, 2016
I received this book on a read to review basis from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Ken Gerhard, and the publisher, Llewellyn Publications, for the opportunity.
This was such an interesting little non-fiction read that was not at all what I was expecting. I had assumed, given the title, that this would detail the myths surrounding mystical beasts such as unicorns and werewolves. Instead, it gave brief accounts of reported sightings of these unexplained creatures including snippets of interviews from the individuals and a conclusion as to what, if any, the scientific explanation could be.
It was far more fact-based than I had anticipated, and did not dwell into the mythical backstory of the magical creatures at all. Instead this book was focused in the realm of reality and attempted to assign explanations to all the previously unexplained sightings. The author offered alternative to what was perceived to have been seen but admitted when no clarification could be given.
I enjoyed reading the entries and the the mix between contemporary and historical sightings was interesting. I would have, however, preferred fewer stories with more backstory in a few instances, instead of the list of sightings that succeeded each longer and detailed entry. I liked how a broad array of creatures was covered and how each classification of creature was assigned its own focused chapter.
In all, this was a short but highly knowledgeable, intriguing and non-judgmental little insight into the reality of these wondrous beasts. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a fascination with the fantastic.
This was such an interesting little non-fiction read that was not at all what I was expecting. I had assumed, given the title, that this would detail the myths surrounding mystical beasts such as unicorns and werewolves. Instead, it gave brief accounts of reported sightings of these unexplained creatures including snippets of interviews from the individuals and a conclusion as to what, if any, the scientific explanation could be.
It was far more fact-based than I had anticipated, and did not dwell into the mythical backstory of the magical creatures at all. Instead this book was focused in the realm of reality and attempted to assign explanations to all the previously unexplained sightings. The author offered alternative to what was perceived to have been seen but admitted when no clarification could be given.
I enjoyed reading the entries and the the mix between contemporary and historical sightings was interesting. I would have, however, preferred fewer stories with more backstory in a few instances, instead of the list of sightings that succeeded each longer and detailed entry. I liked how a broad array of creatures was covered and how each classification of creature was assigned its own focused chapter.
In all, this was a short but highly knowledgeable, intriguing and non-judgmental little insight into the reality of these wondrous beasts. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a fascination with the fantastic.
Read
September 5, 2016I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
DNF at 12%
Ten Second Synopsis:
A collection of the author's own encounters and research on a range of cryptids. Includes witness accounts and case studies of the same.
If you are a fan of monster-hunting, or just have an interest in mythical creatures that may (or may not) walk (or crawl or slither or swim) among us, then this will provide an irrepressible outlet for your interest. I DNFed this one at 12%, after the first chapter on the Minnesota Iceman because although the author claims to be approaching these sightings from a scientific angle, it is obvious that he is, in fact, not. He makes note of the fact that his viewing of the Minnesota Iceman as a child (that is, when the author was a child, not the Iceman), was one of the events that sparked his interest in monster-hunting and it is clear that this is a man who wants to believe. He makes links between accounts of iceman-type encounters from places as disparate as the USA and China, glosses over the highly dubious provenance of the specimen, and makes wild leaps of fancy as to how the Iceman could have made it to US soil. As I said, if you are looking for a book on cryptids that will pique your adrenaline levels, this is probably a good choice. If you are looking for a book that actually takes a scientific approach to the evidence on cryptids, read Darren Naish's excellent and engaging Hunting Monsters: Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths.
DNF at 12%
Ten Second Synopsis:
A collection of the author's own encounters and research on a range of cryptids. Includes witness accounts and case studies of the same.
If you are a fan of monster-hunting, or just have an interest in mythical creatures that may (or may not) walk (or crawl or slither or swim) among us, then this will provide an irrepressible outlet for your interest. I DNFed this one at 12%, after the first chapter on the Minnesota Iceman because although the author claims to be approaching these sightings from a scientific angle, it is obvious that he is, in fact, not. He makes note of the fact that his viewing of the Minnesota Iceman as a child (that is, when the author was a child, not the Iceman), was one of the events that sparked his interest in monster-hunting and it is clear that this is a man who wants to believe. He makes links between accounts of iceman-type encounters from places as disparate as the USA and China, glosses over the highly dubious provenance of the specimen, and makes wild leaps of fancy as to how the Iceman could have made it to US soil. As I said, if you are looking for a book on cryptids that will pique your adrenaline levels, this is probably a good choice. If you are looking for a book that actually takes a scientific approach to the evidence on cryptids, read Darren Naish's excellent and engaging Hunting Monsters: Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths.
October 26, 2016
Worth reading if your into Cryptids
Most books on the unknown disappoint me. They never offer any solid evidence and leave many questions unanswered this book is no different but the author offers many new stories.
I was attracted to this book by an appearance by the author on Coast To Coast AM. I'm not sorry I bought it. It's an interesting read.
Most books on the unknown disappoint me. They never offer any solid evidence and leave many questions unanswered this book is no different but the author offers many new stories.
I was attracted to this book by an appearance by the author on Coast To Coast AM. I'm not sorry I bought it. It's an interesting read.
August 22, 2019
Same old same old
A rehash of interesting creatures with not much depth or substance. Not much new here but was fine for a casual read.
A rehash of interesting creatures with not much depth or substance. Not much new here but was fine for a casual read.
November 16, 2022
I enjoy a good deep dive into the paranormal and strange. This book had shades of that. It started out strong with not your everyday monster and cryptid like Bigfoot and Nessie, but as it drew on there were a lot of entries that leave you scratching your head.
The book is closer to a reference and informational one then complete stories. There are a few that are very compelling and wish they had longer entries. There are more then a few, especially at the end where it feels like the author used to just add segments for the sake of doing it then an actual belief or even compelling stories.
The book is closer to a reference and informational one then complete stories. There are a few that are very compelling and wish they had longer entries. There are more then a few, especially at the end where it feels like the author used to just add segments for the sake of doing it then an actual belief or even compelling stories.
January 4, 2019
I enjoyed the book. However, it lost me the last couple chapters. This book is informative and really makes you think!
October 9, 2021
I really liked it, I love the amount of data it provides which each case. these types of books make cryptozoology not seen as simple children's stories
December 24, 2024
Too many personal emails for my taste, but the author does go out there at times. Need more of that. Good compendium for more modern things but still...
March 6, 2017
I have read quite a few books that cover mysterious beasts following me developing a fascination with the Loch Ness Monster after several visits to the Highlands of Scotland. This book was easy to read and follow and I enjoyed the different encounters and the descriptions given. Enjoyable read for me - 4 stars, just wish there were some photos or a few images to illustrate the sightings and what people saw
February 6, 2017
Ken Gerhard does a great job of introducing readers to an intriguing array of "cryptobeasts" in "A Menageire of Mysterious Beasts" and I enjoyed several aspects of his methodical approach.
Each chapter focuses on a different "species" of beast - and goes into good detail on each, rife with incidents and anecdotes. I found it to be entertaining.
I really appreciated his personal experiences in the field and as a youth. I remember as a kid being fascinated by the Minnesota Iceman - apparently I was not the only one.
Of course, he could've gone into much more detail, included more first hand testimony in each chapter, but it would have morphed into a true tome by that point.
I liked the succinct manner and process-oriented approach of the structure. I've always enjoyed reading about such mysteries and this book will keep me going back for more.
Whether you believe the stories or not, is besides the point. If you have to wonder, at least once while reading the book, "WHAT IF?" - you've gotten your $$$ worth.
Each chapter focuses on a different "species" of beast - and goes into good detail on each, rife with incidents and anecdotes. I found it to be entertaining.
I really appreciated his personal experiences in the field and as a youth. I remember as a kid being fascinated by the Minnesota Iceman - apparently I was not the only one.
Of course, he could've gone into much more detail, included more first hand testimony in each chapter, but it would have morphed into a true tome by that point.
I liked the succinct manner and process-oriented approach of the structure. I've always enjoyed reading about such mysteries and this book will keep me going back for more.
Whether you believe the stories or not, is besides the point. If you have to wonder, at least once while reading the book, "WHAT IF?" - you've gotten your $$$ worth.
August 7, 2016
Really good.
I liked that Gerhard goes into detail in describing the creatures and doesn't just rely on pictures.
He also relates how he heard and felt about the creatures, including the odd childhood story, yet still keeps it factual by giving evidence for what he knows.
I'll admit I only ended up interested in a few of the beasts mentioned - Werewolves, dragons, black eyed children and the Thunderbird (thanks to Harry Potter on the last one) - but the other creatures were interesting too.
I liked that Gerhard goes into detail in describing the creatures and doesn't just rely on pictures.
He also relates how he heard and felt about the creatures, including the odd childhood story, yet still keeps it factual by giving evidence for what he knows.
I'll admit I only ended up interested in a few of the beasts mentioned - Werewolves, dragons, black eyed children and the Thunderbird (thanks to Harry Potter on the last one) - but the other creatures were interesting too.
October 6, 2024
Good, but not great. I enjoyed reading about giant arthropods and the other lesser-known cryptids but did not like the constant litany of sighting after sighting. Sometimes, it felt like I was reading a to-do list rather than a book.
2.75 / 5
2.75 / 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2018
Ken is a Cryptozoologist and he knows his stuff. Great book; good writing and good "cryptid telling".
March 29, 2021
A basic overview of cryptids by an author who just takes as valid his felsh and blood origin of the cryptids.
December 8, 2016
An enjoyable book and I did learn a few things, but I was disappointed with their Dogman section.
May 29, 2018
It was really fascinating and cool to know they're so many different kinds of creatures out there. I like how it gave a description as well as it's currently known history.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews