Snallygaster: the Lost Legend of Frederick County

by Patrick Boyton

For several hundred years, tales of the Snallygaster have terrified the people of Frederick County, Maryland. Described as being half-reptile and half-bird, this winged creature is said to live deep in the caves of South Mountain. Legend has it, this mysterious monster swoops down from the sky and steals children and chickens from unsuspecting farm folk. Some say it's real. Some say it's a myth. But when they see it coming, they all say... "Better run and hide...the Snallygaster's comin' to get ya!"

Genres: History

76 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2011

About the author

Patrick Boyton is the author of "Snallygaster: the Lost Legend of Frederick County" and the forthcoming children's novel, "Beware, the Snallygaster." He lives in Frederick, Maryland, with his wife and son.

Reviews

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book.

The Snallygaster is a fascinating critter. One of the fearsome critters of American Folklore, the Snallygaster happens to be the one nearest and dearest to where I grew up. It is an ethereal creature - one that shifts throughout history in form and function, and Patrick Boyton's book does a wonderful job of tracking that transformation as best as one can. He even manages to tie the Snallygaster to the Dwayo and the Jersey Devil - I'd love to read more of such history.

This book, while short, is remarkably thorough. My only true complaint is that I wish it was longer, that there was even more that I could read about this history. There were a lot of fascinating bits of history to dig into. Was the Snallygaster the Jersey Devil? Was it something to frighten former slaves after the Civil War? Was it merely a hoax, or is it something from Pennsylvania Dutch folklore? Is it a modern Bigfoot legend? Is it still out there?

No matter what the Snallygaster was or is, the story does deserve to live on. I'd love to go Snallygaster hunting myself someday.

And man.

I'd love to talk to John Lutz about his own thoughts on the matter if I can ever dig up his details to do so.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After adopting a Snallygaster, I thought it would be wise to learn more about the species. However, the lore is rife with contradiction about what a Snallygaster even looks like. Very little practical advice about obedience training with Snallygasters, or how to teach them to play flyball. I am making it up as I go....

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Nick "Sweet Georgia Brown" Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable little read about a local legend.

[Susan Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive go-to guide on the Snallygaster! Well-researched and well-written, Snallygaster: the Lost Legend of Frederick County will give the reader insight into a complex local legend that was born out of racism, unethical reporting - and just possibly - a snallygaster egg...

[Xander · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, highly-readable, digest of the Snallygaster's exploits.

Was pleasantly surprised Boyton made mention of the other great Blue Ridge Mountain cryptozoological monster, the Dwayyo.