You might be a lifelong “Squatcher” or a curious skeptic. In either case, Nick Redfern’s The Bigfoot Book: The Encyclopedia of Sasquatch, Yeti, and Cryptid Primates is a definitive, high-energy guide. It explores the world’s most famous hidden giants. Redfern is a prolific researcher in the fields of the paranormal and cryptozoology. He brings his signature investigative style to a subject that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
A Comprehensive Atlas of the Unknown
What sets this book apart is its sheer scope. Redfern doesn’t just stick to the Pacific Northwest; he takes the reader on a global trek. The encyclopedia format allows for quick navigation through a dense forest of information, covering everything from the Yeti of the Himalayas and the Yowie of Australia to the Orang Pendek of Sumatra.
It serves as a cultural and biological map, tracing how these legends manifest in different environments and societies. By treating these accounts with serious inquiry, Redfern elevates the subject from mere campfire stories to a legitimate field of anthropological and zoological interest.
Depth of Research and Historical Context
Redfern excels at providing historical weight to the phenomenon. This isn’t just a collection of recent sightings; the book delves into:
- Indigenous Folklore: Respectful explorations of First Nations and Native American accounts that predated the “Bigfoot” craze of the 1950s.
- The Classics: Detailed breakdowns of iconic moments, such as the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, providing context on why these pieces of evidence remain controversial and captivating decades later.
- Scientific Theories: Redfern explores the biological possibilities, including the frequently cited theory that Bigfoot could be a relict population of Gigantopithecus, an extinct genus of giant ape.
Beyond the Biological: The “High Strangeness”
One of the most refreshing aspects of Redfern’s writing is his willingness to go “out there.” While many researchers try to force Bigfoot into a strictly biological box, Redfern acknowledges the “High Strangeness” often reported alongside sightings—such as UFOs, vanishing tracks, and telepathic elements.
He doesn’t necessarily tell you what to believe; instead, he presents the full spectrum of the mystery. This objective yet open-minded approach makes the book feel like a true investigation rather than a lecture.
An Accessible and Engaging Read
Despite its encyclopedic nature, the book is far from dry. Redfern’s prose is punchy, conversational, and often laced with a sense of adventure. The entries are structured to be “snackable,” making it the perfect coffee table book to flip through, yet it possesses enough depth to serve as a primary reference for serious researchers.
“To dive into Redfern’s work is to realize that the world is much larger and more mysterious than our modern maps suggest.”
Final Verdict
The Bigfoot Book is a must-have for anyone interested in the fringes of science and folklore. It is a celebration of the mystery itself—an acknowledgment that in an age of satellite imagery and constant connectivity, there might still be something massive, hairy, and ancient lurking in the shadows of the world’s deepest woods.
Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF series. To add this book to your cryptid library, click on the book cover below.