Recommended Reading

One of the main things I recommend to upcoming cryptozoologists is to read. A lot. Besides actually working with other researchers, this is probably the best way to learn about the field. There are hundreds of books out there on cryptozoological subjects, though many are not on par with others. In this post, I decided to put together a list of books both I and Colin recommend for those getting into the field.

General Cryptozoology Recommendations

Hunting Monsters:

Cryptozoology and the Reality Behind the Myths

By Darren Naish

Naish's book is one of the best examinations of cryptozoology that I have ever read. He examines whether cryptozoology is really about animals or more about the human mind and why 'monsters' are reported all over the world and what likely inspired tales of them. It also tells readers that cryptozoology can be done scientifically and how to do so. Naish has a background as a paleontologist and science writer to back him up.

Cryptozoology:

Science and Speculation

By Chad Arment

Colin: Chad Arment's Cryptozoology: Science and Speculation is an underrated classic in the field of cryptozoology. In it, Arment suggests a new way of considering cryptids. Amernt's method focuses on folklore as the basis for the origin of cryptids. In my opinion, Arment's methodology is incredibly interesting and addresses a lot of the common criticisms of cryptozoology. I think considering Arment's point of view is important, even if you disagree. 

Cryptozoology A to Z

By Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark

I would recommend this as one of the first books you should get if you are interested in cryptozoology. It was one of my first and really helped me get a better understanding on the subject as a whole, learn about many cryptids, and the people who research them. It's called Cryptozoology A to Z for a reason.

On the Track of Unknown Animals

By Bernard Heuvelmans

Bernard Heuvelmans is considered by many to be the "father of cryptozoology" and part of the reason for that is this book. It was originally published in the 1950s and had several editions. Heuvelmans's book is the first real examination of mystery creatures such as the yeti, bunyips, and mammoths, and known and (at least then) recently discovered animals as well. This is a book all cryptozoologists must own.

Mysterious Creatures

By George Eberhart

Colin: Mysterious Creatures is hands down the best crypto-encyclopedia. It easily has the widest range of any other similar book on the market. Easy to understand and comprehensive, the two-volume encyclopedia is structured like a field guide. Honestly, this collection is a must have for any crypto-enthusiast. 

Aquatic Cryptids Recommendations

A Monstrous Commotion:

The Mysteries of Loch Ness

By Gareth Williams

The Loch Ness monster is what got me interested in the subject of cryptozoology and when I was younger I was definitely in the "believers" camp. When my view changed to a bit more skeptical, I checked out Gareth Williams' book, which examines the people who investigate(d) the LNM more than the sighting reports and possible explanations like other books. 

Unlike other books, Williams looks deep into the lives and motives of those who investigate the LNM, and doesn't just glorify them. Investigators like Tim Dinsdale, Rupert Gould, Roy Mackal and others are shown to be not as scientific as the claimed to be in their research and that other big players in the story, like Alex Campbell, can't be trusted, either.  He basically shows that the LNM is a myth created in the early 1900s, and all investigations of it have been flawed. 

This is my #1 recommendation for those interested in the Loch Ness monster. It is a better examination of the mystery than any other book you will find. 

In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents

By Bernard Heuvelmans

This massive 600-page book is perhaps the most thorough examination of sea serpents ever. Heuvelmans covers reports spanning the globe over several centuries, going up to the 1960s, when it was published. After examining the reports, Heuvelmans offers some possible explanations in the form of speculative creatures that could account for these sea serpents. While he may not have been correct in that regard, it is still an extremely important book in the history of cryptozoology.

Animal Mythology Recommendations

The Magic Zoo

By Peter Costello

Costello's book focuses on mythological creatures like unicorns, manticores, and mermaids. He examines the legends of these creatures and shows how each of them were inspired by real animals. This book is important for cryptozoologists to read, because many cryptids are probably created in this way, from the passing down and exaggeration of legends.

Dragons:

A Natural History

By Karl Shuker

Though not an extraordinarily long book, Karl Shuker's Dragons provides an overview of worldwide dragon legends. It is a good book for anyone with a beginning interest in animal mythology.

Bigfoot/Hominids Recommendations

Sasquatch: 

Legend Meets Science

By Jeff Meldrum

Jeff Meldrum is one of the few scientists to look into the bigfoot mystery and believes the creatures may be real after studying footprint casts. In his book, he examines the possible evidence for the existence of the cryptid.

The Historical Bigfoot
By Chad Arment

The Historical Bigfoot is a collection of old newspaper accounts of "wild men" from each state in the U.S. While it does not prove that Bigfoot actually exists, it does show that, at least, tales of "wild men," large "gorillas," and "hairy men" have been around for hundreds of years.

Sasquatch:
The Apes Among Us
By John Green

John Green's book is one of the best on Bigfoot ever written. At over 400 pages long, it is one of the largest collections of sighting reports, at least in book form. Green covers reported encounters covering the United States and Canada, and analyses them at the end of the book. Considered by some to be the "sasquatch bible," it should be on any cryptozoologist's shelves.

"Prehistoric" Cryptids Recommendations

Still in Search of Prehistoric Survivors:
The Creatures that Time Forgot?
By Dr. Karl Shuker

Karl Shuker is one of the world's most famous cryptozoologists and one of the best authors on the subject. His book In Search of Prehistoric Survivors was published in the 1990s, and in 2016 was updated as this book. In over 600 pages, Shuker examines hundreds of supposed "prehistoric survivors" - cryptids thought by some to be living animals thought to be extinct. Examples of this type 

of cryptid include the mokele-mbembe (thought to be a sauropod dinosaur) and living pterosaurs and plesiosaurs.

This book needs to be on the shelves of anyone interested in the subject as it is the most thorough examination of these types of cryptids - probably ever. Shuker goes through the history of each cryptid and then carefully examines them to see if they really could be creatures of a bygone age.

Books on Zoology, Paleontology, Etc. Recommendations

A Fish Caught in Time:
The Search for the Coelacanth
By Samantha Weinberg

The coelacanth (pronounced see-la-canth) is mentioned in many books on sea/lake monsters or cryptozoology in general. The fish was thought to be extinct until 1938 when scientists discovered live them alive off the coast of Africa. This book is about the history of the discovery of the coelacanth and the various searches for and studies of it after that time. While not necessarily a cryptozoology book, it is a great book on the discovery of one of the world's most fascinating fishes.

The Tyrannosaur Chronicles:
The Biology of the Tyrant Dinosaurs
By David Hone

This book was published only about two years ago and studies the biology of Tyrannosaurus Rex and its kin. It examines the history of the tyrannosaurs, their evolution, anatomy, ecology, and behavior. Books like this are important so researchers can understand what prehistoric animals were like when someone says that they think a certain cryptid is "this or that dinosaur" or some other "prehistoric survivor."

Tasmanian Tiger:
The Tragic Tale of How the World Lost Its Most Mysterious Predator
By David Owen

The thylacine went extinct in the 1930s after humans hunted it to extinction. However, some people think that it may still be alive today. David Owen presents the history of humanities' encounters with the thylacine and how it officially went extinct. He also examines some post-extinction accounts. 

Magazines/Journals



Cryptid Culture Magazine

Cryptid Culture started in late 2015 and is one of the best magazines out there on the subject. Each issue is filled with informative articles and lots of work by artists who illustrate cryptids. I normally have articles in it and Colin does as well. Starting with the next issue he will be doing a review column in each issue.

Animals and Men

The journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology. The latest issue can always be found online here.

FATE

FATE been running since 1948 and was the first magazine to focus on mysterious and unexplained phenomena. It focuses on cryptozoology and other unexplained things like ghosts and UFOs as well. 

I would encourage anyone interested to check out these books. They are some of the best around on various topics in cryptozoology and can help newcomers learn a lot more about the subject!

-Tyler Houck