The book begins with the following words:
The word cryptozoology first appeared in print in 1959, when Lucien Blancou dedicated his new book to “Bernard Heuvelmans, master of cryptozoology.” Four years earlier, when Heuvelmans first published On the Track of Unknown Animals, the term “cryptozoology” as such did not exist. It was not until the publication of On the Track of Unknown Animals and the sensation it created that Heuvelmans began to call his lifelong pursuit “cryptozoology,” and a new discipline was born. Since then it has become part of modern vocabulary, and appears in nearly all standard dictionaries.
But what exactly is cryptozoology? It is not, Heuvelmans insists, an “arcane or occult zoology.” It fuses three Greek words: kryptos, zoon, and logos, which mean, respectively, hidden, animal, and discourse. Thus cryptozoology is the science of “hidden animals.” Heuvelmans prefers “hidden” to “unknown” because to those people who live near them, the animals are not unfamiliar; if they were, there would be no native accounts, and we would never have heard of them. They are, however, undetected by those who would formally recognize their existence and catalogue them…..
Crypto-zoology A to Z by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark is a fascinating and accessible guide to the world of cryptids—mysterious creatures whose existence has not been conclusively proven by science.
The book serves as both an encyclopedia and a compelling narrative, offering a structured look into some of the most famous and obscure cryptids that have captured human imagination. From Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to lesser-known creatures like the Mongolian Death Worm, this book delves into the legends, alleged sightings, and the scientific (or pseudo-scientific) investigations surrounding these cryptids.
The book is organized alphabetically, making it an easy-to-navigate reference work. Each entry provides:
A detailed description of the cryptid
The history and cultural significance of the creature
Notable sightings and reported encounters
Perspectives from cryptozoologists and skeptics
Furthermore, the book includes profiles of key figures in the field of cryptozoology, such as Bernard Heuvelmans (often called the "father of cryptozoology") and Ivan T. Sanderson. These profiles add depth to the book, showing the intellectual and investigative side of the subject.
Coleman and Clark write in a way that is both informative and entertaining. The language is accessible to casual readers while still offering enough detail to intrigue those with a serious interest in cryptozoology. The book does not just focus on the well-known creatures like Bigfoot and Nessie. It also covers more obscure cryptids, offering a truly global perspective on mysterious animals.
Readers will learn about the Bunyip from Australia, the Mokele-Mbembe from Africa, and other fascinating creatures.
While the authors clearly have an interest in cryptozoology, they do not present every case as definitive proof of a creature’s existence. Instead, they acknowledge hoaxes, misidentifications, and the lack of scientific evidence, making the book more credible than some purely sensationalist works on the topic.
Many entries provide insights into the folklore and history surrounding cryptids, demonstrating how myths evolve and why certain creatures continue to be believed in by different cultures. This adds an anthropological aspect to the book that makes it more than just a list of mysterious animals.
However, there are few weaknesses as well. While the book does touch on scientific skepticism, it does not deeply engage with biological or ecological arguments against the existence of cryptids. Readers looking for a thorough debunking or a deep scientific discussion may find the book somewhat lacking in this regard. Originally published in 1999, some of the information may be outdated in light of more recent investigations, DNA testing, and scientific discoveries. A revised edition with updated findings would be beneficial. Although the book is a great introduction to cryptozoology, some entries feel a bit too brief. A deeper exploration of certain cases, including more critical examination of evidence, would have strengthened the book’s credibility.
To conclude, it can be safely said that this is an excellent introductory book for anyone curious about cryptids and the field of cryptozoology. Its encyclopedia format makes it an easy and enjoyable reference guide, and the authors strike a good balance between belief and skepticism. While it does not offer a rigorous scientific perspective, it remains an engaging and well-researched work that appeals to both enthusiasts and casual readers alike.