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Bigfoot!: The True Story of Apes in America
For years, scientists and researchers have studied, speculated about, and searched for an enigmatic creature that is legendary in the annals of American folklore. Now, learn the truth about...
BIGFOOT!
In this fascinating and comprehensive look at the fact, fiction, and fable of the North American "Sasquatch," award-winning author Loren Coleman takes readers on a journey into America's biggest mystery -- could an unrecognized "ape" be living in our midst? Drawing on over forty years of investigations, interviews, and fieldwork on these incredible beasts, Coleman explores the modern debates about these powerful, ape-like creatures, why they have remained a mystery for so long, and what we can learn about ourselves from these animals, our nearest cousins!
From reports of Bigfoot's existence found in ancient Native American traditions, to the controversial Patterson-Gimlin film of a Bigfoot in the wild, to today's Internet sites that record the sightings almost as soon as they occur, Coleman uncovers the past, explains the present, and considers the future of one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the natural world.
BIGFOOT!
In this fascinating and comprehensive look at the fact, fiction, and fable of the North American "Sasquatch," award-winning author Loren Coleman takes readers on a journey into America's biggest mystery -- could an unrecognized "ape" be living in our midst? Drawing on over forty years of investigations, interviews, and fieldwork on these incredible beasts, Coleman explores the modern debates about these powerful, ape-like creatures, why they have remained a mystery for so long, and what we can learn about ourselves from these animals, our nearest cousins!
From reports of Bigfoot's existence found in ancient Native American traditions, to the controversial Patterson-Gimlin film of a Bigfoot in the wild, to today's Internet sites that record the sightings almost as soon as they occur, Coleman uncovers the past, explains the present, and considers the future of one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the natural world.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
39 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Loren Coleman
89 books66 followersLoren Coleman is one of the world's leading cryptozoologists. An honorary member of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, and several other international organizations, he is also a Life Member of the International Society of Cryptozoology. Starting his fieldwork and investigations in 1960, after traveling and trekking extensively in pursue of cryptozoological mysteries, Coleman began writing to share his experiences in 1969.
Coleman has written seventeen books and more than three hundred articles, has appeared frequently on radio and television programs, and has lectured throughout North America, as well as in London and at Loch Ness.
Coleman has written seventeen books and more than three hundred articles, has appeared frequently on radio and television programs, and has lectured throughout North America, as well as in London and at Loch Ness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 14, 2021
Did Bigfoot just pop up one day or has it been around for a while? Veteran cryptozoologist Loren Coleman examines the question in Bigfoot!: The True Story of the Apes in America.
After introducing himself and how his own researching of Bigfoot started, Coleman’s overview of the subject begins with events in 2000 when a rash of sightings made the news on the National level during the summer before the finding of the Skookum body cast in Washington state. After this hook, Coleman reviews the oral and written traditions and histories of Bigfoot from Native American tribes to colonist, settlers, hunters, and normal people up until 1958 when Jerry Crew made the first Bigfoot casts, and a “legend” was born. Coleman covers everything around the Bluff Creek incident and how it sparked the search for Bigfoot which led to the Patterson-Gimlin film that Coleman covers in-depth as well. Coleman completes his history with the “rise” of other bipedal “monsters” across the country from Florida’s Skunk Ape to Missouri’s Momo. The last half of the book is Coleman covering various topics and subjects that have arisen over the near half-century from Coleman’s own theory about three subspecies of Bigfoot—Classic, Eastern, and the North American Apes in the South—to the belief that Bigfoots were extraterrestrials during the last 1970s and many other things before Coleman finished the book by asking and answering three important questions at this point in the search of Bigfoot.
This is book is a excellent overview of the history of Bigfoot by one of the best cryptozoological researchers to have worked in the field and who worked alongside many of the early and important scientists that studied the subject soon after 1958. Through Coleman focuses on history, he does cover some scientific subjects including one that is not talked about much by researchers. Coleman’s inclusion of his subspecies theory and supporting evidence, especially related to the more apish subspecies of the American South and southern Midwest, adds to the overall work.
Although Loren Coleman’s Bigfoot! is almost two-decades old, it is still relevant for anyone interested in Bigfoot/Sasquatch whether one has been a long-time enthusiast or newly interested.
After introducing himself and how his own researching of Bigfoot started, Coleman’s overview of the subject begins with events in 2000 when a rash of sightings made the news on the National level during the summer before the finding of the Skookum body cast in Washington state. After this hook, Coleman reviews the oral and written traditions and histories of Bigfoot from Native American tribes to colonist, settlers, hunters, and normal people up until 1958 when Jerry Crew made the first Bigfoot casts, and a “legend” was born. Coleman covers everything around the Bluff Creek incident and how it sparked the search for Bigfoot which led to the Patterson-Gimlin film that Coleman covers in-depth as well. Coleman completes his history with the “rise” of other bipedal “monsters” across the country from Florida’s Skunk Ape to Missouri’s Momo. The last half of the book is Coleman covering various topics and subjects that have arisen over the near half-century from Coleman’s own theory about three subspecies of Bigfoot—Classic, Eastern, and the North American Apes in the South—to the belief that Bigfoots were extraterrestrials during the last 1970s and many other things before Coleman finished the book by asking and answering three important questions at this point in the search of Bigfoot.
This is book is a excellent overview of the history of Bigfoot by one of the best cryptozoological researchers to have worked in the field and who worked alongside many of the early and important scientists that studied the subject soon after 1958. Through Coleman focuses on history, he does cover some scientific subjects including one that is not talked about much by researchers. Coleman’s inclusion of his subspecies theory and supporting evidence, especially related to the more apish subspecies of the American South and southern Midwest, adds to the overall work.
Although Loren Coleman’s Bigfoot! is almost two-decades old, it is still relevant for anyone interested in Bigfoot/Sasquatch whether one has been a long-time enthusiast or newly interested.
February 8, 2010
This is one of two essential books for anyone interested in the subject of Bigfoot; the other is "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science" by Dr. Jeff Meldrum. Meldrum's book lays out the scientific evidence for the plausibility of an unknown bipedal primate in North America, while Coleman's book is focused more on the surprising long history of eyewitness accounts in North America, and also offers up a concise history of the investigation of sightings in North America throughout the 20th century.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in the phenomenon. It could quite possible make you question just what the heck is going on out there in the woods!
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in the phenomenon. It could quite possible make you question just what the heck is going on out there in the woods!
May 1, 2015
This revised version of cryptozoologist Loren Coleman's classic is a good introduction to anyone interested in learning more about those mysterious, seven foot tall human-like creatures that seem to haunt remote mountains and woods as well as our imaginations. Coleman, a major researcher in the field, has compiled a thorough guide to the major Bigfoot sightings and signs that have come to define the field of Bigfoot research. I picked it up once again to refresh my own interest and did not find it lacking.
July 13, 2025
Does it even matter what Bigfoot is since we don't know if it is real?
Is it human or ape?
As we descend from apes, what actually differs, except the visual like a lot more body hair and perhaps a different skull?
Would you shoot Bigfoot on sight? Would it be murder? Or a million-dollar ticket?
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I have to buy this books since I can't find the full book online anywhere. (my version only had 100 pages) a lot of chapters were missing.
This is a great book to start with, if you want to learn about bigfoot and also wants to get information where to look further.
I loved reading about all the witnesses through the years and it is interesting that it has been reported locally all around America for decades.
It makes me want to deep dive and search for old newspapers.
3/5
Is it human or ape?
As we descend from apes, what actually differs, except the visual like a lot more body hair and perhaps a different skull?
Would you shoot Bigfoot on sight? Would it be murder? Or a million-dollar ticket?
- - -
I have to buy this books since I can't find the full book online anywhere. (my version only had 100 pages) a lot of chapters were missing.
This is a great book to start with, if you want to learn about bigfoot and also wants to get information where to look further.
I loved reading about all the witnesses through the years and it is interesting that it has been reported locally all around America for decades.
It makes me want to deep dive and search for old newspapers.
3/5
January 2, 2016
Very good. Even though he is clearly a believer.. his book is non-biased and he covers the pros and cons with equal enthusiasm. This is very well studied subject on Loren's part and he does an excellent job at separating fact from fiction from could be either. Definitely a very good read. If you believe in Bigfoot or not, you should find this book interesting.
November 8, 2012
this is a pretty engaging account of the (possible) creature's past and likely present. each copy does not come with a sample of irrefutable sasquatch dna, just lots of interesting anecdotes and observations compiled by an individual who is very, very involved in this field.
August 15, 2020
Bigfoot! provided a solid overview of the history of Bigfoot/Sasquatch in native American history, the popularization of the phenomena in the 1950s-1970s, and so much more. I've been listening in on the cryptozoological shows my husband has watched for years, but I feel like I have a better understanding of the important players, the historical events, and important questions.
The book concentrates heavily on events from the 1960s with some additional ones just prior to the publication of this book (in 2003). There's a gap through most of the 1980s-1990s, and I'm not sure if that's due to lack of reported incidents or lies outside of the author's connections.
3.5 stars
The book concentrates heavily on events from the 1960s with some additional ones just prior to the publication of this book (in 2003). There's a gap through most of the 1980s-1990s, and I'm not sure if that's due to lack of reported incidents or lies outside of the author's connections.
3.5 stars
July 13, 2018
Loren Coleman’s book, Bigfoot! The True Story of Apes in America, is by far one of the best books written on the subject. With Coleman’s extensive experience on the subject, he takes a historical and scientific approach at creating a valid argument for the existence of the elusive creature. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the subject of Bigfoot!
December 2, 2023
I really enjoyed the historical aspects to the book: Native American legends, African legends, Asian legends, etc. I also appreciated the occasional story where the author, as a believer, admitted something wasn't adding up with the evidence, and the "witnesses" were creating a hoax. Overall, an enjoyable read.
May 12, 2022
Statistic riddled
I think the reason that I wasn’t fully engrossed in this book was that I read it last and I’ve read hundreds of Bigfoot books before it so mostly everything in it I already knew. Don’t get me wrong it was very informative book it just lacked personality.
I think the reason that I wasn’t fully engrossed in this book was that I read it last and I’ve read hundreds of Bigfoot books before it so mostly everything in it I already knew. Don’t get me wrong it was very informative book it just lacked personality.
February 9, 2023
I picked this one up on my day trip last year to the Bigfoot museum. This was a good concise overview of Bigfoot-ing. It looked critically at sightings and the credibility of some reporters. It also covered the idea of 3 distinct geographical sub-sects of Ape roaming North America.
July 8, 2017
Good book. Author provides good details of the search for Sasquatch in North America. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in what has caused so many to start searching for the creature.
November 18, 2019
A very good starting place or introduction to the topic for the newly-interested.
February 29, 2020
Very interesting, addictive, informative and impartial.
January 5, 2021
I’m not sure I’m convinced Bigfoot exists but this was a fascinating read. It is fills of stories as well as theory. I would recommend to anyone who is at all intrigued in the mystery.
July 14, 2022
very comprehensive but also 20 years outdated. looking forward to reading more about this subject.
February 5, 2023
Take notes Graham Hoyland. This is how you write a cryptozoology book.
November 22, 2023
Still not a believer
April 12, 2024
Great book
This is a solid book from a solid investigator with many years in the field... A great amount of background and history on the reality that is Bigfoot.
This is a solid book from a solid investigator with many years in the field... A great amount of background and history on the reality that is Bigfoot.
September 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this book.
March 26, 2025
I will start with my usual "Meh" review.
I literally had no idea what I was expecting. I randomly found a book about Bigfoot at a thrift shop and got excited and curious. I love believing and researching the supernatural!
But the book mainly goes from reported sighting to reported sighting. Giving examples of what people have seen. Giving some examples of the different types of Big foot, Sasquatch, Yeti, etc.
Let's just say that I am not convinced, impressed, or converted. The facts are not particularly factual and some of it just sounds farfetched. I know we're talking about a Bigfoot, so I should have expected farfetched, but when they claim that there are 1500 Big foot, or start talking about mating, or genitalia, or potential homosexual Bigfoot, I had to roll my eyes. These are not facts, these are "ideas" based on potential footprints or sightings, without knowing how many are scams.
So I guess I was expecting more proof or more convincing evidence.
I literally had no idea what I was expecting. I randomly found a book about Bigfoot at a thrift shop and got excited and curious. I love believing and researching the supernatural!
But the book mainly goes from reported sighting to reported sighting. Giving examples of what people have seen. Giving some examples of the different types of Big foot, Sasquatch, Yeti, etc.
Let's just say that I am not convinced, impressed, or converted. The facts are not particularly factual and some of it just sounds farfetched. I know we're talking about a Bigfoot, so I should have expected farfetched, but when they claim that there are 1500 Big foot, or start talking about mating, or genitalia, or potential homosexual Bigfoot, I had to roll my eyes. These are not facts, these are "ideas" based on potential footprints or sightings, without knowing how many are scams.
So I guess I was expecting more proof or more convincing evidence.
January 11, 2013
This is the best Bigfoot book I have ever read. It was well written and it talks to you with intelligence and common sense. The book is well organized and gives you the information and asks you to make up your own mind. The book gives you the history behind Bigfoot and tells many stories on the sightings. It tells the story of hoaxes and con men, and research and scientists. The book has some black and white photos to supplement the text, but a few more photos would have been better. Still, the book was exciting to read and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to reading more books written by Loren Coleman.
Read
August 9, 2017It's always a treat to read a book by an author that you have met and who has personally signed your copy of the book. Such is the case for Loren Coleman and this book. It is a very thorough introduction into all things related to Bigfoot. Of particular interest are the Native American stories about a Bigfoot type of creature. Combine those with modern day sightings and casts of footprints and you have some convincing evidence for the existence of a mysterious creature that is still out in the wild areas of our country. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to explore the possibility of Bigfoot, even if you might be a skeptic.
September 5, 2015
My wonderful daughter gave me this as a gift. She knows my love of the unexplained, and, in particular, Bigfoot (or the several other names it goes by).
As far as Bigfoot books go, it is a great resource in sightings, characteristics, theories (including the little-covered sexuality of the creatures) and far-out myths. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the book itself isn't bigger. I think it could easily be doubled in page count and still be as interesting and still only touching the tip of the cultural/scientific iceberg.
As far as Bigfoot books go, it is a great resource in sightings, characteristics, theories (including the little-covered sexuality of the creatures) and far-out myths. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the book itself isn't bigger. I think it could easily be doubled in page count and still be as interesting and still only touching the tip of the cultural/scientific iceberg.
September 1, 2008
This should be titled "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bigfoot but Were Afraid to Ask." Loren Coleman takes you on a sprawling history of Bigfoot in North America and in the end you may just start to believe that a large primate could actually be living among us. Well written and informative if you just have a passing interest in Bigfoot or if you are a firm believer this book will be well worth your time.
February 7, 2009
A surprisingly engaging book about the "big fella". I had no idea that there was so much to say and read about when it came to bigfoot. It also does not come off as hokey or hard to believe as you might guess. I liked reading this book.
July 29, 2013
Really deep history with inspiring lists of films and books to seek out. Easy and fun to read and digest. Wish they're was anything on the Sierra Sounds Bigfoot recordings but oh well. Recommended and want to read again.
May 25, 2015
Complete, concise overview of the major BF reports. Keep in mind it's not necessarily a skeptical book, but engaging, comprehensive, and well written. Perfect introduction for anyone new to the topic.
October 10, 2008
Can one person know too much about our sasquatch friends? NEVER!!!
May 23, 2010
I liked this book a lot. The stories were great and that's mostly why I purchased the book. It's hard finding literature about bigfoot. He provides a nice moderation of the legend of bigfoot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews