BioFortean Review: Book Reviews

Trilobites!
Kenneth Gass
Specialized Quality Publications, 2005
ISBN 0-9634906-8-0

Reviewed by Chad Arment (Oct. 2006)

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This short book (at 110 pp., more novella than novel) is an interesting addition to the genre of cryptofiction. I suspect the author has no interest in cryptozoology, per se; rather, the story developed from his interest in paleontology. The premise of the story (I don't think I'm giving anything away), is the discovery of living trilobites, while exploring the repurcussions of that discovery. And, (again, not giving anything away) these aren't just trilobites . . . they're bad trilobites. Thus the great death's-head trilobite image on the cover.

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Now, as stories go, this one could have used an editor to point out some thin spots. It has a very bare-bones plot, but the idea is unique (most cryptofiction involving extinct species focuses on the more obvious predators) -- there are many potential avenues that could be explored in greater detail if the story was fleshed out. But, I'm not going to be overly critical here, as this book is not the typical scream-and-bleed horror story, and (as some investigation into the publisher shows that it is apparently operated by the author) is more the province of self-publishing than mass-market thriller. (Speaking of physical quality, the book is in high quality paperback binding.)

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The general cryptofiction reader (and few they are) will probably not find this story interesting enough to pick up. Those who collect cryptofiction titles, however, and are willing to just take it as is, will find a rough story that has several entertaining points and some intriguing aspects that don't follow the typical SciFi-style monster story. (The book, the author states, is adapted from a screenplay he wrote, so maybe we'll see it on the small screen in the future.)

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[Edit: Currently $12.99 on Amazon. 4/15/2017]

Shadows of Existence: Discoveries and Speculations in Zoology
Matthew A. Bille
Hancock House, 2006
ISBN: 0-88839-612-0

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman, Editor CRYPTO (Nov. 11, 2006)

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In 1995 the book Rumors of Existence was published by Hancock House. Within the pages of this book, biological and zoological plethora was presented. Matt Bille, within his “Rumors” book, evaluated new discoveries, supposed extinct and mysteries animals with an even and balanced keel.

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While books dealing with mystery animals appear every year. They have a primary focus on one specific animal or “cryptid.” The tendency of these books is to be either on, or about, Bigfoot or Lake Monsters (to use the generalized terms), While the presentation of evidence is through eyewitness reviews, video or picture analysis or behavioral or morphological comparisons.

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While this makes for good reading, and baseline bibliographical or historical background, the core of an investigative method is missed.

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What Matt Bille has done on the other hand, is review a larger percentage of mystery animals, but with a context that connects to actual discoveries.We are not talking about proof positive of a “Bigfoot” body, or the dead body of “Nessie.” We are looking instead at the presentation of newly discovered species, rediscovered species, and animals unknown to science currently. They intertwine together, demonstrating the complexity of zoological classifications and behavior within the realm of biology, anthropology and associated disciplines.

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In Shadows of Existence, Matt Bille has extended the initial concept from his first book, and fleshed it out to a larger degree, a review once more of our mysteries planet, but also a resource and correlation for researchers to continue from. Answers are not provided, supposition is minimized, and the evidentiary items are presented in a fluid and readable manner. Matt has done the foot work, and provided the everyday man the information in a manner that is not condescending or overly simplified manner. A difficult balance of language and information, that in and of itself can be admired as a writer’s specific style.

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Matt Bille does touch on the classic mystery animals, such as Bigfoot and “Lake Monsters.” Any at the close of each section therein, offers a tidbit of thought for the reader:

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“Is there anything real for these searchers to find? As so often happens in cryptozoology, the answer may still be, “we don’t know.”

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“It is, in my opinion, very unlikely there is a breeding population of huge apes living unknown to science on the North American continent. I’m not denigrating the witnesses, many of whom are unquestionably sincere. I just feel it’s more likely the sincere ones are mistaken than it is that sasquatch exits.”

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“I genuinely wish to be found wrong in this judgment. I hope sasquatch really is out there somewhere, watching with puzzlement and perhaps even amusement as we humans blunder around looking for him.”

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While looking at the main-stream “mystery animals” is one inclusion, it is not the primary focus of the book. This is quickly identifiable, as only a small section is attributed to “The Classic Mystery Animals,” and it is for this reason Matt Bille’s books are more important. His delving into mystery whales, cats, bears, seals and squirrels, to name but a few, demonstrate that the world is not fully established in a zoological manner and that mainstream science still looks and finds animals across the globe.

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In few books in the mainstream can one read of unusual sightings by researchers in deep sea submersables like the Deepstar 4000 or Alvin. Prehistoric tree discoveries, like the Wollemia nobilis. Or the chronicling of the mysteries of an as yet described species of beaked whale Mesoplodon Species A.

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Yes some of the content is a continuation of Matt Bille’s 1995 book Rumors of Existence. But, after a decade Shadows of Existence fleshes out additional information, new discoveries, new resources and a fresh look at the world of zoology and biology.

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We need every so often to be reminded that our world is still full of wonder and discovery. We need to be reminded that mystery animals and cryptozoology do not need to be isolated to classic creatures, but encompass the zoological gamut. And, if for no other reason, Matt Bille’s book harbors a reminder that even if mystery animals do not exist, there are innumerable discoveries to be made that perhaps could not be done if one does not search.

Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale
Mark Bessire
JRP / Ringier, 2006
ISBN: 3-905770-07-5 & 978-3-905770-07-0

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman (Dec. 2, 2006)

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The door opens at the office of the Federal Wildlife Commission’s Department of Cryptozoology, situated near the offices of the Bureau for the Investigation of Paranormal Phenomenon and the National Institute of Comparative Astrobiology, and the creature curiosities of the world are revealed. Of course, these doors are staged. These bureaus, commissions and institutes do not exist. But, what they hold behind their staged entranceways does, the world of cryptozoology through an eclectic collection of art, history and fact.

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Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale, is an exhibit organized by the Bates College Museum of Art and the H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute. The exhibit started in June 2006 at the Bates College Museum of Art, and moved to the Kansas City Art Institute in late October 2006. Its companion book has been provided the same title as the exhibit, and allows the lookers a chance to see part of the exhibit, but also feel the exhibit itself through a book that is art unto itself.

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One can not explain the layout and the book's unique structure sufficiently, but suffice it to say it does not follow any standard practice for a softcover or hardcover, its design, structure, imprint, layout and texture are as specialized as the content and basis for its creation. One must see, hold and look at it to obtain a true sense.

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If you were to pick this book strictly as a text on “mystery animals,” you would be mistaken. Its intent is not that, nor is its content. But, if you were to pick this book as a historical representation of art, you would be correct. That is the core of the book, extracting the artistic talents and viewpoints of contributors to the subject matter and content of cryptozoology.

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We see a photographic representation of a still from the famed Patterson Film by Ellen Lesperance and Jeanine Oleson entitled Bigfoot & Nioka II. We see an acrylic and graphite piece by Walmor Correa in the style of a physicians guide entitled Capelobo from Project Unheimlich. And, this reviewer's favorite, an oil and acrylic piece on wood paneling entitled Map of Cryptozoology by Alexis Rockman showing a global perspective on all things cryptozoological. These entries are but a taste of the art styles within the book, and exhibit itself, which range including photographic, taxidermy sculptures, line drawings, doodles, acrylic, oil and more.

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Not to be outdone, though, there are essays throughout the book. While the historical entry by Loren Coleman is well written, it is overshadowed, rightfully so, by other entries. Primary to the overshadowing is Sean Foley’s Cryptozoology as Art, which is presented in an artistic manner itself consisting of 52 verses. Not only is its style intriguing, but the content is well done. One such entry is from verse 21, and reads:

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“Art, myth, and, in this case, cryptozoology exist as a hub for emotional, sensual, and proactively idiosyncratic 'what ifs' and experiential open-minded symbolic images. This is the value of the arts: total immersion in subjectivity and a collective safe harbor for experimental, thoroughly considered intellectual constructions. The museum, particularly the art museum, in spite of its canonically taming tendencies, is a publicly sanctioned containment bureaucracy for displaying wildly conceptualized freaks, artful constructions.”

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The book is not for everyone, as it does require an interest in art and its various interpretations. One may find some entries odd, and out of place, but this in reality is a true testament to what art is as Sea Foley elegantly outlined above. One will not walk away with a new theory or idea in cryptozoology, but you do walk away with a different viewpoint on how art can be presented both in concept, implementation and presentation.

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Perhaps it will inspire more artists to join in. . . .

All Things Reconsidered: My Birding Adventures
Roger Tory Peterson
Houghton Mifflin, 2006
ISBN 0-618-75862-3

Reviewed by Chad Arment (Dec. 10, 2006)

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This is a posthumous collection of columns written by Roger Tory Peterson throughout his life, through to his last year of life, 1996. The book is edited by Bill Thompson III, editor of Bird Watcher's Digest.

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The topics span birding trips all over the world, with glimpses of rare (and not so rare) species on different continents, Peterson's wildlife artistry (and discussions of Audubon and other artists), and discussions of interest to conservationists everywhere. The chapters, being edited from columns, are naturally brief, and Peterson's easy style of writing will make this a good book to read and re-read.

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Of interest to us, of course, is Peterson's favorite birding adventure: the search for ivory-billed woodpeckers in Louisiana's Singer tract in 1942. This is a fascinating historical piece for anyone who has followed the recent controversy over the woodpecker's continued survival.

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The book itself is a pleasure to hold. Color photography (and art) are integrated into the text seamlessly. This is a quality book that will be enjoyed by birders and wildlife enthusiasts both.

The Yowie: In Search of Australia's Bigfoot
Tony Healy and Paul Cropper
Anomalist Books, 2006
ISBN 1-933665-16-5

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman, editor CRYPTO (Dec. 17, 2006)

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“These are the facts as we know them. Please make up your own minds.”

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That short statement appears at the close to the introduction by Healy and Cropper within their new book, The Yowie. That little phrase lays the groundwork for what is within the pages of the book—it sets the baseline.

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In the realm of mysterious bipedal creature books, often ascribed terms such as Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, Alma, Orang Pendek and the like, there is a tendency for writers to explain the creatures, to hypothesize about what they are, and perhaps shape the data they utilize to support that hypothesis. This is fine, and is an acceptable method, especially when the actual root of what these creatures are (or are not) is unknown. But, for the researcher and common reader who want to know about the historical and actual reports of events, without hard interpretation, Healy and Cropper have provided one of the best books available on the subject.

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Yowie is a term some individuals may be familiar with; it is the primary describer of a bipedal mystery creature from Australia. But, until now, the Yowie has been strictly a section within a book, or a reference point. While this has worked well, and offered new aspects in a well-done method (such as Malcolm Smith’s Bunyips & Bigfoots, 1996), it has never thoroughly evaluated the phenomenon or presented the complexity of the mystery. The overshadowing of the Yowie by its North American cousin is now rectified with The Yowie. Healy and Cropper provide the reader with anecdotal, testimonial, historical, native, modern, and evidentiary connections to the Yowie. They utilize the reports gathered first hand and through the collective work of Australian researchers and worldwide researchers. They reintroduce the world to the Yowie, and to what mysteries may still reside in Australia. They also introduce researchers to the world in a personal light, including Tim the Yowie Man, Dean Harrison, Rex Gilroy and Graham Joyner.

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Healy and Cropper are the previous authors of another book on Australian mysteries entitled Out of the Shadows: Mystery Animals of Australia (Ironbark/Pan Macmillan, 1994), in which they do deal with the Yowie. They are, therefore, no strangers to the subject, and have collectively spent over 50 years researching the subject. It was not until The Yowie, however, that the entire research basis has been available, consisting of over 300 documented events, from one-person sightings to mass sightings, from up-close and personal glimpses, to distance sights. This is accomplished through chronicling and presentation of the original sources, including journals and newspaper accounts, from the remembered histories of Aborigines, to the modern era of the Internet and how it has changed how research works.

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Beyond the content, which readers must digest for themselves to appreciate, is the layout and presentation. Similar to their 1994 book, The Yowie is presented in a larger format paperback with dual column pagination. This makes the read akin to a journal entry, but also alters the pace and focuses the reader on the work, drawing you in. The flow of the work is also important; it is steady and has few distraction points. You start with the Aborigines, move towards the Colonial Era, through the Early Modern era and into the Modern Era. Then there are chapters on the Junjudee, or “Littlefoot,” an evidentiary summarization and examination of “What are They?” But, not to be outdone, a mapping system showing the generalized regions of reports, a cataloging of the accounts, full index and reference section are provided.

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The Yowie is a milestone work, and ranks in importance as such books as Sasquatch, the Apes Among Us (John Green, 1978), In the Footsteps of the Russian Snowman (Dmitri Bayanov, 1996), and Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life (Ivan Sanderson, 1961). All these works break new ground in historical, regional or overall analysis of the subject manner of mystery bipedal creatures.

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It is no small feat to create a classic and thorough reference book that is easily readable by both the everyday person and the hardcore researcher, but this is what Healy and Cropper have done, and they close the core of the book remaining open-minded and vigilant to what still remains to be discovered: “We live in hope. But meanwhile, until all the facts are in, our yowie file remains open.”

Valley of the Skookum
Sali Sheppard-Wolford
Pine Winds Press, 2006
ISBN-13: 9780-937663-11-0

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman, editor CRYPTO (Jan. 22, 2007)

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Bigfoot, Aliens, Strange Lights, and Spirituality. These items may seem opposed at first light to an interested reader. I want a book on Bigfoot, on UFO’s or on spirituality, not one that touches on aspects of them all. Bigfoot is flesh-and-blood, spirituality is in the head, UFO’s have no place in Bigfoot research. All these may float through the head.

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But, Bigfoot is not the core of this book, nor are UFO’s or other phenomenon. The core of the book is a four year, if not life-time, look at ones self from the inside and out. This is not an exploratory book on what is out there in terms of mysteries; this is an exploratory book as to what is inside us. What we see, what we think and how life is connected.

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Sali Sheppard-Wolford writes in the first person, she outlines her experiences in the Carbon River Valley of Washington during a period of time starting in 1977. Her experiences with “Skookum”, her experiences with spirit guides, her experiences with Native Americans, but her interaction with her family and the environment ever so much at the forefront.

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We all go through periods in our lives where events unfurl that make us question our sanity and our faith. Not in the religious sense, but the internal mechanism that makes us human, makes us who we are. Sali exposes this inner mechanism, she exposes the trials and tribulations, and she exposes her soul and what her life was like, and how it changed her viewpoint and those around her as well over the course of but a few years.

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As a piece of literature, the book works. It works as a narrative autobiography, a chronology of events presented in a manner that draws the reader in. You are not lectured to, you are not spoken down to; you are simply witnessing life in a descriptive narrative. If you were to pick this up as a piece of non-fiction aimed at Bigfoot research, as the subtitle makes note of, Four Years of Encounters with Bigfoot, then you would be disappointed. Disappointed strictly in the sense of expectation. Bigfoot books tend to chronicle evidentiary collection, methodologies of research, supposition in support of a hypothesis, or simply a collection of accounts. Within the Valley of the Skookum, the “Bigfoot” is dealt with on a more spiritual level, as a being of power and respect, of mystery and intrigue. Personal expositions are often criticized within the Bigfoot community. They lack supportive evidence, they lack credence as multiple occurrences of a strange phenomenon strike the mind hard by many individuals. So do not read the book with the expectation of a Bigfoot discourse.

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The reader can look at this book in and enjoy it for what it is. The story of a journey. It would be as well done if presented as fiction or non-fiction, the style of presentation makes you care for the characters and events. A true touch of an author in bringing this to the readers eye and mind.

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Put aside your misconceptions about the book, and read it for the work itself. You may shake your head at areas where spirituality, UFO’s, strange phenomena and Bigfoot appear, especially if they do not fit the traditional, or your own, viewpoints. But read the book for what it does chronicle, the life and changing viewpoints of a woman, her family and by connection the world around her. You may not use the book as a reference item, or read it more than once, but it will be a read worth doing as the journey is worth the trip.

Written by James M. Smith:

Bigfoot Sightings of East Central Alabama (Chambers, Lee, Randolph & Tallapoosa Co.). 2000. (approx. 48 pp.)
Sasquatch: Alabama Bigfoot Sightings. 2003. (approx. 66 pp.)
Bigfoot and Other Mystery Animals of Alabama. 2004. (approx. 74 pp.)

Reviewed by Chad Arment (March 11, 2007)

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While browsing postings on Ebay, I came across these self-published booklets on Alabama Bigfoot sightings, and decided to check them out. More often than not, self-published regional works often include some of the more interesting sighting reports, and usually offer more specifics than a book that covers the entire country. These booklets have apparently been around a while, but may not be as well-known as books offered through online bookstore distribution channels. They are inexpensive, being printed from desktop publishing with stapled binding. Illustrations include photos and sketches by the author. The sketches come out much better than the photos, which are sometimes difficult to see. Basic editing is O.K., though spelling problems are noted throughout the booklets.

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The author has spent some time interviewing witnesses, so the bulk of the booklets are stories of various encounters with hairy giants. Several of these are fairly interesting—a farm foreman who treed a red-haired giant with a pack of dogs, encounters with police officers, an animal hit by a car (claimed to look like Harry from Harry and the Hendersons), bipedal creatures fording a river, etc. The stories come from the 1970s to the early years of this decade. The third booklet includes stories of other strange creatures reported in Alabama: a giant snake in a local fish pond, a giant "coyote," several black panther sightings, and giant catfish in Lake Martin.

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These are interesting booklets, and assuming the reports are not also found on a Bigfoot website anywhere, should be of some interest to Bigfoot specialists. The booklets' arrangements are somewhat haphazard. There are a few minor speculative sidetrails (Bigfoot in the Bible, UFOs, etc.), though the bulk appears to focus on a physical Bigfoot. (The author investigates a wide range of other phenomena.)

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There is no real analysis of the stories; this makes them more interesting from a folkloric standpoint than a scientific one. As one example, the chapter in Sasquatch on a photograph of a "mystery" skeletal arm reflects a tendency for paranormal investigators to overlook uncommon, but natural, explanations. The arm, as noted by the author, has claws. But, beyond ruling out a human source, the author offers no real insight. It really is highly unlikely that a large unknown bipedal primate would have claws. And, we know that bear paws, after decomposition, have a very "human"-like appearance. (Skeletal anthropomorphism?) There is no indication in the chapter that this was considered as a possibility.

El Chupacabras: Fact or Fiction?
Kody Boye
Illustrated by: Ewan Bennett
Lulu, 2007
ISBN: None; 49 pp.

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman, editor CRYPTO (March 11, 2007)

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Self-published books are a specialized entity in the world of publishing. The author is required not only to write, but to edit, layout, and publicize their works. This makes the quality of the printed work the total of all these parts, and any one failing can bring the others down behind it.

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I like self-published works, especially in the area of cryptozoology. They allow the reader to see a different perspective, and often focus on regional geographic locations or lesser-known mystery animals. The quality varies, not only in printed word, but in overall presentation and content, from desktop printing to POD (print on demand) processes. However, the authors must watch not only what is printed and how it appears, but also the front end costs of such works.

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El Chupacabras is the modern representation of an unknown animal in cryptozoology, one that is debated as to extent of inclusion and yet incorporates the investigative nature of what cryptozoology has at its core—reliance on regional events, localized peoples accounts, folkloric interaction, physical evidence, and varied hypothesis. What makes the saga of Chupacabras even more interesting is that it is a modern incarnation that demonstrates a cultural evolution from the mid-1990s on. Spreading from Puerto Rico throughout South America and into North America (and elsewhere), the phenomenon of Chupacabras became popularized in regional merchandise, adapted songs, Internet sites, and a few books on the subject since.

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These basic ideas are presented not as a guide, rather an introduction into how Kody Boye’s El Chupacabras: Fact or Fiction? falls short as a self-published book. Boye presents to the reader many popular theories—from alien association (UFOs) to an escaped scientific experiment, even touching on the potential for several animals being responsible for the varied appearance, description, and behavior. Boye also touches on some of the earlier history of the Chupacabras, stretching back to the 1950s, appearance and behavior as well as cultural impact. The key word though is simply touching. Boye does not linger or delve into details or explanations, rather a virtual repertoire of what others have said before.

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Language utilized in writing is as important to the presentation of information as the information itself. We judge works based on fluidity of context, language, and explanatory methodologies. How this is presented in Boye’s work exposes the largest flaw. Boye floats in tone and context, from passive to aggressive in statements without standing behind any or offering supportive data for them. Boye’s main culprit for Chupacabras, for example, is mange on dogs. However, when exploring this idea, there is no supportive basis provided:

“Dogs with mange are probably what people are seeing when they say that the Chupacabra is a canid creature, and it is plausible, in this way. Mange is a disease in which canids (dogs, wolves, foxes) have different patterns of hair, and more skin is exposed. Dogs with mange is probably what people are seeing when they say that it is the Chupacabra. Then again, how come there’s so many dogs with mange then?”

Why therefore is mange a probable explanation? There is no data to support the statement, which makes it simply a piece of information tossed out for reading, but not analysis. An additional flaw with the book is basic language assignment. Take these two segments, for example:

“There’s not very much evidence to back up the claims that the Chupacabra is the real creature.”
“Yet other people believe that the Chupacabra has to be real, that a creature that does not exist could do such damage.”

These are grammatically poor in presentation and outline; when read as a whole the book breaks down as poorly edited. Take the grammar together with the book layout, and the view of the book shifts from being a thoughtful presentation of basic ideas to a quickly thrown-together creation. Word spacing floats from double spaced to single spaced. Chapter headings appear on one page, and then continue on to another. The overall effect resonates negatively with the reader, making one wonder what the actual intent of the book was.

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Unfortunately, there are better books out there on Chupacabras, and they flesh out the ideas and theories, as well as making the journey interesting and entertaining for the reader. Pick up a copy of Scott Corrales’ The Chupacabras Diaries or Chupacabras and Other Mysteries, or even Jonathan Downes’ Only Fools and Goatsuckers. These will surely be better fodder for thought, and be equal or less in overall financial cost.

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It would benefit Boye to use a secondary reviewer for his nonfiction works. They can assist with editing and layout, as well as information presentation. Boye has done his homework, even when relying on the infamous Wikipedia, and fails simply through lack of follow through.

Further Cryptozoology
Ronan Coghlan
Xiphos Books, 2007
ISBN 978-0-9544936-8-4

Reviewed by Craig Heinselman, editor CRYPTO (June 20, 2007)

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Further Cryptozoology is Ronan Coghlan’s second supplement to his 2004 Dictionary of Cryptozoology, the first update being 2005’s Cryptosup. While Coghlan’s initial endeavor back in 2004 yielded a potentially useful, if awkward, research reference, the supplemental works have been sadly sub-par both in content and presentation.

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Further Cryptozoology continues the previous style from Cryptosup by listing alphabetically additional or supplemental information not covered in the Dictionary of Cryptozoology. However, one must own the original dictionary in order to backtrack through some references, while other references are strictly unusable without inside knowledge. This manner makes the book harder to use as a reference tool. Take, for instance, the following example:

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“GOLDSBOROUGH GROWLER A mystery creature of Queensland which seems to be known only from the growls it utters. Raids on farm animals have been ascribed to it. [1]”

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The example is from page 82, with the [1] being the reference. The [1] connects to page 221 under the heading, Websites, wherein the [1] equals CFZ. For the new reader or researcher unfamiliar, the question arises: What is CFZ? The answer is The Centre for Fortean Zoology, however one must know this in order to follow Coghlan’s reference. Even so, the reference does not link to a specific location or even provide the website itself.

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Using the same principle, let us follow with another example. This one is from page 102:

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“JILIN DRAGON A red object that appeared to be a dragon was seen in the sky by students at Jilin University, China in 2005. A cellphone photograph was taken at the time. [#1]”

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In this case the [#1] refers to the periodical Animals and Men (page 220 under Periodicals), but again leaves the rest wide open. Which issue of Animals and Men? What is the citation? While it may seem simple to do an Internet search to find out more, not all readers have this access. As such, a concrete reference would change the adaptation of a book from useless to useful. Even a degree of respect is lost when citations are not given correctly. For example, several books are referenced within Further Cryptozoology, and none has a proper citation. Here is a comparison of two references from Further Cryptozoology to one style of accepted citation:

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Bille Shadows of Existence (2006)
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Bille, Matthew A., Shadows of Existence, Hancock House, 2006

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Newman Strange Indiana Monsters (2007)
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Newton, Michael, Strange Indiana Monsters, Schiffer Publishing, 2006

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That is the problem, the usage of this book as a reference work is not viable. Reverse citations for fact-checking are not provided and the overall synopsis is what one expects from a private researcher's notes, not a published supplement to a dictionary. It would seem beneficial to re-issue the dictionary every few years with the supplemental information rather than simply put out a separate addendum with poor references and presentation.

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One can go even further and look at the basic layout of the book. The presentation shows a lack of pagination and preparation of the book. Page 4, for example, contains but two words: “mystery plants.” This could have simply fit on the introduction page (page 3) with a small formatting tightening. Under the entry for Yowie on page 216, researcher Tony Healy is abbreviated as “T. Healy.” Why abbreviate there, yet in other areas offer the full name of a person (i.e., Tom D’Onofria on page 34 or Alice McKenzie on page 126)? The entire book for the matter could have been consolidated from 224 pages to the 100-page range through formatting and varied layout, potentially reducing the print cost and improving the overall feel.

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While this all may seem to be an attack on Coghlan’s work, it is not. Rather it is a critique of methodology and the overall presentation of research, and a warning of what not to do. Encyclopedia and dictionary authors are held to the same expectation level of other authors. That is, the presentation of information is in such a way that the resources used can be fact-checked or used for further research. It heightens the benefit of a book, article or paper. Coghlan’s book could have been improved by simply streamlining the coding, presenting accurate references, and improving the layout, while maintaining the core of the content. These minor things can turn into major detriments when lumped together; they downplay the book's importance and the foundation of the research itself.

Moa Sightings, Volumes 1-3
Bruce Spittle
Paua Press (Dunedin, NZ), 2010
PauaPress.com

Reviewed by Chad Arment (July 28, 2010)

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Given the growing number of cryptozoology books recently published that give brief overviews of regional sightings, it was a surprise to come across a set of books that focuses on one specific cryptid in a relatively small area (New Zealand). I was a little leery of paying for the set, which is not cheap, even though each volume has almost 450 pages in it. After all, how much can you really say about moa sightings? And, I'll admit, the author's website (he set up Paua Press) did not fill me with confidence.

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Having received the volumes, my primary question is: Is it better to call this the most important cryptozoology book of the year, or the last decade? Without a doubt, it is the most extensive. The author has packed three volumes with data from historical records, witness interviews, maps, and photos (in full color wherever possible) regarding the possible survival of the supposed extinct moas. He presents the evidence (both pro and con) without pushing his own interpretation, though noting that he favors a staggered extinction model, with the possibility of some late survivors in remote areas.

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This set belongs in the library of every serious cryptozoology researcher. Unfortunately, the high cost (NZ$70 + shipping per volume) will probably limit its distribution. The pricing is certainly reasonable, given it is from a small press (probably small print run), and is casebound with jackets, in full color. At the very least, I'd like to see several sets placed in North American and European university libraries for enthusiasts able to access them. I don't know how likely that is to happen, however.

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There are some minor quirks with the books (e.g., pagination is a bit odd), but overall it is easy to see that this is a well-presented set that should be an example for every cryptozoology researcher (particularly those of us who publish our own works). I don't know Mr. Spittle's background, so I don't know if he has an interest in other New Zealand cryptids. If so, I would love to see similar volumes on other mystery animals from that region. This sort of work is so much more valuable to cryptozoology than the often opinion-based texts we see too often.

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For those who would consider ordering this set, my suggestion would be to look for it on AbeBooks.com, as there is a New Zealand bookseller who carries it, and may offer a better deal on shipping. I ordered my set through him, and received it very quickly.

Bird from Hell and Other Mega Fauna
Gerald McIsaac
Trafford Publishing, 2010

Reviewed by Chad Arment (Dec. 3, 2010)

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This is one of those books that could have been very useful to cryptozoological researchers if only the author had taken the time to have the text reviewed for comments prior to publication, and had someone do some basic editing. Let's call it a diamond in the rough (very rough).

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The author lives in a small town in north central British Columbia, on the north end of Williston Lake. He is white, but is married to a First Nations woman, and has collected a number of stories of strange creatures from her people in this region. As far as I can tell, he is not involved in organized cryptozoology, per se, though he has apparently read some books on Bigfoot.

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The text itself runs 101 pages, including a few photos of local people and places. Trafford is the Canadian version of POD service providers like Lulu, and there are some punctuation errors, etc., throughout the manuscript.

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The author has collected stories on six "mega fauna" beasts that he believes still exist: the Devil Bird (a pterosaur), Giants or Stink People (Bigfoot), Hairy Elephant (woolly mammoth), Rubber-Faced Bear (short-faced bear), Wilderness Wolf (dire wolf), and a lake monster he believes to be a plesiosaur.

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Now, honestly, I hate to be critical about a book like this. The author clearly just wants to share some of the knowledge he's learned from his First Nations friends. As far as I can tell, this hasn't been marketed to the cryptozoological community, so if nothing else, this should raise awareness of the text even if I don't necessarily agree with everything in it.

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First, a few things I didn't like: (1) The author is emotionally invested in the truthfulness of the local stories, setting up unnecessary us vs them scenarios with scientists, or anyone else who might not agree with his (or his interviewees') premises or conclusions. (2) The author has a poor understanding of biological concepts, and makes a number of scientific assertions that are plainly incorrect or muddled. (Noting, for example, that he believes Bigfoot is Gigantopithecus, but also human. It could be one, or the other, but not both.) (3) The author is too certain about the "true identities" of some of these mystery animals without good evidence.

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What I did like: The author has, first of all, collected stories from a region of North America where we have very little ethnographic work for cryptozoology, and clearly this is an area which should be given further attention. In fact, the first thing I realized when I read through it was how closely some stories paralleled stories collected by researcher John Warms in Manitoba (a large cave-dwelling flying creature, especially). While most of the stories are rather bare-bones, he does introduce several tidbits of First Nations beliefs about these creatures.

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I would like to see a further collection from this author. Particularly, I'd like to see a wider selection of stories with more details noted. (In this book, for example, Wilderness Wolf stories are noted only in a single paragraph.) The usefulness of this book to cryptozoological investigators is almost limited to noting that this region does have stories of interest; I suspect that far more could be offered to help flesh out some of the information about these cryptids, and stimulate further interest in tracking down evidence to prove or disprove their physical existence.

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