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The Essential Guide to Bigfoot
Throughout North America, there is an enduring legend that describes a race of giant, hairy ape-men said to inhabit the remotest forests and mountains. Yet, could such things really exist? Ken Gerhard is a widely recognized cryptozoologist who has traveled the world searching for evidence of mysterious animals including – Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, el Chupacabra, the Beast of Gevaudan, as well as enigmatic winged creatures. In this essential primer, Gerhard presents the most accurate and indispensable information that’s been gathered with regard to the Bigfoot phenomenon – the best evidence supporting its existence, consensus expert opinions up to this point, the most compelling encounters and really everything you need to know about the subject in order to become Sasquatch savvy. The reader will get answers to questions such as – Do they really exist? What are they? What do they look like? How many are there? Are they dangerous? Where are the remains? In addition, Gerhard discusses his own expeditions, findings and opinions. Finally, Ken makes an argument that there may be a distinct, pygmy version, which he refers to as ‘Littlefoot,’ and which may be connected to other worldwide man-beasts, including the Yeti. So, delve in and consider the reality of what a giant, unknown, manlike monster roaming the wilderness truly represents to us all.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2020
46 people are currently reading
40 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 19, 2023
“The Sasquatch is ridiculous. The alternative of a hoaxer is impossible. Therefore, the ridiculous must be true.”
~ Dr. Grover Krantz
With such rich subject material, I have to admit that I was expecting more from The Essential Guide to Bigfoot... I was looking to read something a bit different from the heavy-duty nonfiction I typically consume, and thought this book might fit that bill nicely.
I am admittedly a bit of a sucker for books about cryptids. They have captured my imagination since when I was just a little kid. Unfortunately, the overall presentation of this one just did not meet my expectations.
Author Ken 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.
Ken Gerhard:
The book is a level-headed examination of the subject of a mysterious giant ape or ape-like creature. Legends of these beings are present in almost every culture in the world, and they have managed to cement a place in modern lore.
Gerhard says many times that he doesn't really have a dog in this fight; one way or another. He is interested in the possibility of a bigfoot, but is reluctant to believe far-fetched and fantastical claims.
Gerhard drops this quote, outlining the aim of the book:
Gerhard also mentions that he thinks that a giant ape-like sasquatch creature doesn't exist anymore. He posits that their breeding population has likely dwindled to numbers that make continuing the species untenable.
Despite the author's best efforts, there was something about the overall presentation of this one that didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped. I found the formatting in the latter part of the book to be somewhat jumbled. I also found my attention wandering more than a few times here...
The contents of the book are:
Bigfoot Biology: 101
Bigfoot History: 101
The Lack of Remains
Bigfoot Sociology
Littlefoot
Research Field Notes
A Sample of Sightings
Appendix – Bigfoot and DNA Evidence
******************
The Essential Guide to Bigfoot was an OK book, but nothing remarkable, IMHO.
3 stars.
~ Dr. Grover Krantz
With such rich subject material, I have to admit that I was expecting more from The Essential Guide to Bigfoot... I was looking to read something a bit different from the heavy-duty nonfiction I typically consume, and thought this book might fit that bill nicely.
I am admittedly a bit of a sucker for books about cryptids. They have captured my imagination since when I was just a little kid. Unfortunately, the overall presentation of this one just did not meet my expectations.
Author Ken 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.
Ken Gerhard:
The book is a level-headed examination of the subject of a mysterious giant ape or ape-like creature. Legends of these beings are present in almost every culture in the world, and they have managed to cement a place in modern lore.
Gerhard says many times that he doesn't really have a dog in this fight; one way or another. He is interested in the possibility of a bigfoot, but is reluctant to believe far-fetched and fantastical claims.
Gerhard drops this quote, outlining the aim of the book:
"...Consequently, my intent in writing this book is to try to provide a modicum of clarity where far more is needed to counter the “deluge of drivel” with empirical facts that the reader can use to form their very own educated opinion with regard to this enduring mystery. I appreciate your willingness to follow me down this perplexing and often eerie trail."
Gerhard also mentions that he thinks that a giant ape-like sasquatch creature doesn't exist anymore. He posits that their breeding population has likely dwindled to numbers that make continuing the species untenable.
Despite the author's best efforts, there was something about the overall presentation of this one that didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped. I found the formatting in the latter part of the book to be somewhat jumbled. I also found my attention wandering more than a few times here...
The contents of the book are:
Bigfoot Biology: 101
Bigfoot History: 101
The Lack of Remains
Bigfoot Sociology
Littlefoot
Research Field Notes
A Sample of Sightings
Appendix – Bigfoot and DNA Evidence
******************
The Essential Guide to Bigfoot was an OK book, but nothing remarkable, IMHO.
3 stars.
February 13, 2023
This is a great overview guide to Bigfoot. It has a lot of good information including the history and notable names in the field of research. The author notes famous encounters and offers his opinions. That being said, this book is a bit dated and some of the conclusions are incorrect. If you enjoyed this book and want to learn more, I recommend the excellent Sasquatch Chronicles podcast. One of the oldest and the best Bigfoot encounter program. Hear the stories from the witnesses themselves. Sometimes the aftermath is worse than the encounter. I also suggest books by Tom Lyons, Steven Armstrong, Jada L Roberts, Rusty Wilson and Richard Hunt. Frightening tales you won’t find anywhere else. The good, bad and ugly. Narration of the audiobook was rather rote.
January 20, 2025
This is an excellent book on a fascinating topic. Does Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch, the Yeti, and many other names around the globe) exist?
The author shares his many years of research into the worldwide phenomenon of this famous cryptid, detailing hundreds of sightings.
Interestingly, this book isn't just one story of Bigfoot after another (although there are many stories included) but documents the history of Bigfoot sightings, expeditions, hoaxes, and scientific theories on what the creature may be, what its characteristics may be, and many other aspects of the phenomenon.
I found this a really interesting read on a fascinating topic. If you've got any interest in cryptozoology, then this book will be for you!
The author shares his many years of research into the worldwide phenomenon of this famous cryptid, detailing hundreds of sightings.
Interestingly, this book isn't just one story of Bigfoot after another (although there are many stories included) but documents the history of Bigfoot sightings, expeditions, hoaxes, and scientific theories on what the creature may be, what its characteristics may be, and many other aspects of the phenomenon.
I found this a really interesting read on a fascinating topic. If you've got any interest in cryptozoology, then this book will be for you!
July 1, 2022
A thorough dive into one of the world's most notorious monsters. From Native American cultures, to modern day discoveries, Ken Gerhard did an amazing job detailing the history of the elusive beast most today refer to as "Bigfoot." A well researched book that I would recommend to anyone. Read this and just maybe, Ken Gerhard may make a believer out of you, too.
September 1, 2023
A pretty level headed analysis of the history of sightings and evidence as well as anecdotal accounts. Easily presented and explained. Not sure where I stand on it still, like alot of alien stuff there's are things that have happened which are hard to explain but there's just not enough evidence just isn't there for me.
July 7, 2025
No matter how many suppositions possibilities, beliefs, maybes, conjectures you stack up (and repeat)....you never end up with facts.
It was fun listen, mostly because the author came across as so serious.
It was fun listen, mostly because the author came across as so serious.
December 13, 2020
Good read
Interesting easy and fun book to enjoy and to satisfy your be Bigfoot craving. Well written. Discover the Sasquatch legend.
Interesting easy and fun book to enjoy and to satisfy your be Bigfoot craving. Well written. Discover the Sasquatch legend.
June 16, 2022
Heard on audiobook. Some decent investigations, analysis, and anecdotes.
August 19, 2023
Nice job portraying us "woo" folk as cultists with potential psychiatric issues ruining the precious credibility of your idiotic pseudoscience.
August 31, 2025
A very reasonable approach to what could be a very silly subject. There was some tongue in cheek humor but for the most part the topic was treated in a serious manner. Difficult topics were handled with diplomatic and gentle handling but they weren't just brushed aside or glossed over.
November 4, 2019
"The Essential Guide to Bigfoot" is one of those books you will read, re-read and keep to refer to later. You'll find that Mr. Gerhard has covered the subject, Bigfoot, in great detail. He has written this book in a way that you don't have to be a Cryptozoologist to understand what he is talking about. I enjoyed everything about this book.
Two of my favorite chapters are Chapter 3, "The Lack of Remains"; and, Chapter 6 "Research Field Notes". Lack of finding remains of Bigfoot is a subject that I want to learn more about and this book helped greatly. Reading the chapter on field notes was extremely interesting for me. I will never get to search for Bigfoot on my own (or with others); so, reading about Ken's "outings" was exciting and informative . I like that, if you so choose, you can read the book out of sequence. I have to admit that I read Chapters 3 and 6 first. Then, I went back to the beginning of the book, re-reading chapters 3 and 6 when I came to them.
If Bigfoot is a subject you are interested in, don't miss this book.
Two of my favorite chapters are Chapter 3, "The Lack of Remains"; and, Chapter 6 "Research Field Notes". Lack of finding remains of Bigfoot is a subject that I want to learn more about and this book helped greatly. Reading the chapter on field notes was extremely interesting for me. I will never get to search for Bigfoot on my own (or with others); so, reading about Ken's "outings" was exciting and informative . I like that, if you so choose, you can read the book out of sequence. I have to admit that I read Chapters 3 and 6 first. Then, I went back to the beginning of the book, re-reading chapters 3 and 6 when I came to them.
If Bigfoot is a subject you are interested in, don't miss this book.
December 23, 2019
Well-written and informative, but somewhat derivative. Not a lot of new information.
For a beginner cryptid-hunter, this book is filled with interesting tid-bits, stories, explanations, and a thorough grounding in the basics, as well as some heavier detail.
For a beginner cryptid-hunter, this book is filled with interesting tid-bits, stories, explanations, and a thorough grounding in the basics, as well as some heavier detail.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews