Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology : A Global Guide to Hidden Animals and Their Pursuers Book

"All around the world, throughout recorded history, sightings of animals unrecognized by modern science are regularly reported. The name given (in the 1950s) to the study of these elusive creatures is cryptozoology. The International Society of Cryptozoology (founded in 1982) declared that the branch of science is also concerned with "the possible existence of known animals in areas where they are not supposed to occur (either now or in the past) as well as the unknown persistence of presumed extinct animals to the present time or to the recent past."" "Presenting a "flesh and blood" view of cryptozoology, this reference work excludes discussion of paranormal phenomena. The majority of the 2,744 entries describe one specific creature or type of creature. Other entries cover 742 places where unnamed cryptids are said to appear; profiles of 77 groups and 112 individuals who have contributed to the field; descriptions of objects and events important to the subject; and essays on cryptotourism and hoaxes, for example." Appendices offer a chronology, annotated lists of movies, television series and fiction titles with cryptozoological themes, a list of Internet websites, and information on the International Society of Cryptozoology. Illustrations and an index complete the work.