Cryptozoology is an area of study within the paranormal that looks into the existence of creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Yetis and the chupacabra to name a few.  Some of the more mythical creatures however are not considered to be under this label.  Alongside this area, you have people who take it further and look into other types of creatures that are urban legends of myths such as the Mothman.  

Here are some book recommendations on 'creatures'

The Mothman Prophecies: A True Story by John A Keel 

West Virginia, 1966. For thirteen months the town of Point Pleasant is gripped by a real-life nightmare culminating in a tragedy that makes headlines around the world. Strange occurrences and sightings, including a bizarre winged apparition that becomes known as the Mothman, trouble this ordinary American community. Mysterious lights are seen moving across the sky. Domestic animals are found slaughtered and mutilated. And journalist John Keel, arriving to investigate the freakish events, soon finds himself an integral part of an eerie and unfathomable mystery.

Amazon

If you haven't at least heard of the Mothman, you have been living under a rock!  The above book was also the basis of the 2002 movie starring Richard Gere (a personal favourite of mine).   The Mothman has become the stuff of legend.  If you are interested at all in this humanoid creature, you need to read this book.  It is quite well put together and while it can be sensational at times, it does make you wonder about connections to other areas within the paranormal.  The Mothman Festival is an annual event held every third weekend in September that commemorates the 1966 Point Pleasant, West Virginia Mothman sighting with a statue in the town.  It has become one of those events that paranormalists just flock to!  

The World of the Unknown: Monsters by Carey Miller

This cult classic delves into mysteries such as whether the Loch Ness monster exists, and tells stories of dragons and monsters from around the world. It also looks at some of the most frightening creations of myth and legend. First published in 1977, this is the third book from Usborne's beloved World of the Unknown series to be brought back by popular demand. With a brand-new foreword by comedian, actor and writer Robin Ince, the book remains otherwise unchanged from the original.

Book Depository

Originally released in 1977, this book is sure to bring back fond memories for many.  The World of the Unknown series has made a comeback over the last few years with the re-release of the classic book Ghosts and UFOS.  Rounding up the trilogy, Monsters is being released in September of 2021.  With stories on the beloved Nessie through to Bigfoot and even Cyclops, there is great information and illustrations for all monster lovers!  I personally like to read these with my kids!  I first read these books when I was their age in my school library so it is such a treat!  It is full of great factual information too!

On the track of unknown animals by Professor Bernard Heuvelmans

On The Track Of Unknown Animals is a cryptozoological book by the Belgian-French zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans that was first published in 1955 under the title Sur la Piste des Bêtes Ignorées. The English translation by Richard Garnett was published in 1958 with some updating by the author and with a foreword by Gerald Durrell. A revised and abridged edition was published in 1965, and a further edition in 1995. It is credited with introducing the term cryptozoology and established its author as the "Father of Cryptozoology.

As one reviewer explained, it is a book "about animals that might exist." On The Track Of Unknown Animals cites animals that had only been discovered relatively recently, such as the pygmy chimpanzee, coelacanth, Komodo dragon and giant panda; and those that are believed to have become extinct relatively recently, such as the moa and Tasmanian tiger. A major theme is that these animals were generally known to local peoples, but their stories were dismissed by visiting zoologists, particularly the okapi.

The author then discusses evidence for mystery animals from all over the world including the Mokele-mbembe, sea serpents and the Yeti, with an extensive bibliography. He begins by complaining that "The Press has made such a laughing-stock of the Loch Ness Monster... that no scientific commission has ever dared tackle the problem" and ends with the wish that any new species are not merely slaughtered for trophies: "Have pity on them all, for it is we who are the real monsters.

Public Domain

For those serious about their crypto research, this book is probably already a part of your collection.  Off the bat, it is expensive so if you by chance come across this second hand at an op shop, grab a copy and you won't be disappointed.  Don't worry though because there is a free readable version available via public domain on archive org which you can read and download here.  Honestly, if there is one book I recommend the most out of the 3 this would absolutely be the one you have to read and you can read it for free!

There are so many books out there covering these interesting topics.  Admittedly this is not an area I study as much as other areas of the paranormal so I have recommended 3 books that I have.  This is where I want to hear from my fellow paranormal book clubbers!  What are your favourite books about creatures/monsters/cryptozoology?  What is your favourite creature?

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