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Cryptozoology: A to Z - A Review

© Florence Cardinal

When writing the articles on these pagers, I often use the term "Cryptozoology." Exactly what does that term mean? Dictionary.com says it's: The study of creatures, such as the Sasquatch, whose existence has not been substantiated.
Merriam Webster describes Cryptozoology as: the study of the lore concerning legendary animals (as Sasquatch) especially in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence.

The best definition I have found comes from S. Darroch, Director of Para-Researchers of Ontario who defines it this way:

"Cryptozoology is the science of "hidden animals" with its name being derived from the Greek words: kryptos (hidden), zoon (animal), and logos (discourse). The term "hidden animals" is preferred as opposed to unknown simply because those who live near these creatures are unaware of their existence."

Darroch goes on to explain that Cryptozoologists are detectives who begin with myths and legends and search for the truth therein.

An excellent book on Cryptozoology is Cryptozoology A to Z: The Encyclopedia... by Loren Coleman & Jerome Clark. The book includes, in alphabetical order, creatures we are all familiar with - Lock monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras, but along with these more familiar names, we find listings for more rare creatures with sightings from the Americas and around the world.

The book starts out with a clearly defined timeline beginning in 1812 with Baron Couvier's "rash dictum" - "There is," the Baron said, "little hope of discovering new species." The time line ends in1999 with the blue Timor Monitor, a rare species of lizard.

The encyclopedia begins with the well known "Abominable Snowman" and goes on for over 200 pages of delightful and intriguing descriptions, ending with Zuiyo-Maru Monster, a monster fished out of the sea off the shores of New Zealand.

The encyclopedia also includes an extensive appendix featuring museums, periodicals and websites.

Loren Coleman is a respected Cryptozoologist who has written several books on the topic, including his soon to be released Mothman and Other Curious Encounters. For a complete biography, check out CRYPTOZOOLOGIST LOREN COLEMAN."

Jerome Clark is the author of several encyclopedias on paranormal phenomena, including Unexplained! : Strange Sightings,...

If mysterious creatures interest you, you'll find enough in "Cryptozoology - A to Z" to keep you wondering, or, like me, envious of these Cryptozoologist - adventurers all, who search for the animals around the world.