The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters

$23.99

Biographical Note: J. W. (Jason) Ocker is an Edgar Award-winning travel writer, novelist, and blogger. His previous books include Poe-Land, A Season with the Witch, and Cursed Objects. He is also the creator of the...

Add to WishlistCompare

paypalvisamasteramerican expressdiscoverdiners club
Description

Biographical Note:
J. W. (Jason) Ocker is an Edgar Award-winning travel writer, novelist, and blogger. His previous books include Poe-Land, A Season with the Witch, and Cursed Objects. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast OTIS: Odd Things I've Seen (oddthingsiveseen.com), where he chronicles his visits to oddities around the world.

Review Quotes:
"A deliciously nerdy chronicle that celebrates thinking about life beyond."-- Vice

"Thoughtful and well-researched...a worthy addition to any cryptid enthusiast's library."-- AIPT Comics

"[Ocker's] breezy storytelling talents make for enjoyable reading." --Booklist

"Essential reading for anyone with an interest in unexplained mysteries, folklore, mythology, and the supernatural. An inherently fascinating, impressively informative, truly exceptional, and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Cryptid collections." --Midwest Book Review

"I love folklore, so naturally, I also love cryptids, since they're basically the scary story versions of modern folklore. Which is precisely what I enjoyed about The United States of Cryptids."--BoingBoing
"Essential reading for anyone with an interest in unexplained mysteries, folklore, mythology, and the supernatural. An inherently fascinating, impressively informative, truly exceptional, and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Cryptid collections."-- Midwest Book Review

"For believers and non-believers alike, this book is an interesting look at the legendary creatures that run, crawl and fly throughout the 50 states."--James Madison University's The Breeze


Publisher Marketing:
Welcome to the stranger side of America--where monsters lurk in forests, lakes, swamps, deserts, and roadside legends across all fifty states.

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters is a fascinating and fully illustrated journey through the weird world of American cryptids, from iconic creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman to bizarre local legends most people have never heard of. Written by travel writer and folklore enthusiast J. W. Ocker, this entertaining nonfiction guide explores the myths, sightings, history, and communities surrounding America's most mysterious monsters.

Travel state by state through the hidden corners of American folklore and discover:
  • The Jersey Devil haunting the Pine Barrens
  • The Flatwoods Monster of West Virginia
  • Michigan's terrifying Nain Rouge
  • South Carolina's Lizard Man
  • Washington's Batsquatch
  • Countless regional creatures, lake monsters, goblins, beasts, and unexplained legends

More than just a monster encyclopedia, The United States of Cryptids explores why communities embrace these legends through festivals, museums, roadside attractions, local pride, and spooky storytelling traditions. Whether you believe in cryptids or simply love folklore and weird Americana, this book offers a fun, atmospheric look at the stories people continue to tell about the unknown.

Packed with illustrations, historical context, cultural trivia, and humor, this comprehensive guide is perfect for paranormal fans, Halloween readers, road-trip dreamers, and anyone fascinated by the strange side of American history.

Pack your flashlight, keep an eye on the woods, and start your cryptid tour across America.

Review Citations:

  • Booklist 09/01/2022 pg. 15 (EAN 9781683693222, Hardcover)
  • Library Journal 03/01/2023 pg. 99 (EAN 9798212028912, Compact Disc)
  • Booklist 09/01/2022 pg. 15 (EAN 9781683693239, Other)