Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom [Paperback]

Matthew A. Bille (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1995 | ISBN-10: 0888393350 | ISBN-13: 978-0888393357

Despite the intensive exploration of our planet, there remain surprising gaps in our knowledge of the animal world. New birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes and amphibians are still described every year. Matthew Bille seeks to introduce readers to the discoveries, rediscoveries, and sightings of unclassified creatures made since the 1960s. The animals being presented include large mammals from Vietnam, a Tasmanian pouched wolf, pygmy elephants, and a dolphin with two dorsal fins. Exhaustively researched and scientifically accurate, Rumors of Existence is a testimonial to the variety of life existing on this planet and a plea to explore and preserve what remains of the wild.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Matthew A Bille

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hancock House Pub Ltd (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0888393350
• ISBN-13: 978-0888393357
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent presentation of unknown & barely known animals, April 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom (Paperback)

Bille does the cryptozoological world a favor by this book which updates recent discoveries, losses, and new leads on unknown and undiscovered animals. It could be argued that, with the amazing discoveries coming out of the Viet Nam jungles, a book of this sort is necessary on a yearly basis, just to keep up! The author does not pursue the "spectacular" cryptids, such as sasquatch or lake monsters, but focuses instead on the very real small primates, fishes and reptiles that make up our world. If I have one complaint, it would be that the author owes us a book on the spectacular ones now

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cryptozoological book, September 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom (Paperback)

this is the definitive book on cryptozoology, although short in length. it is very informative and the author has shown a rare intellect and avoidance of sensationalism; if you're looking for bigfoot or loch ness monster, look elsewhere. this book belongs in the science section of a bookstore, not new age. very critically reasoned and an important work. i wish it was longer and more lavishly illustrated. must buy

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative and Well Researched, May 8, 2006

By 

R. McRae (Saugus, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom (Paperback)

Matthew A. Billie has written a wonderful book, for anyone fascinated with the continual search for the rare and unclassified in the Animal Kingdom. There are so many possibilities of the maybe still out there, that there is hope for even the most endangered. And this book brings out so many times, the times we thought we had lost a species, only to rediscover them in some hidden locale. And I like that.

Broken into three parts, we first are wowed with the many recent discoveries, even late into the 20th Century. Recent Discoveries.

Then we are enlightened about the thought-to-be-extinct, but rediscovered. Presumed Extinct.

And lastly, we enter into the world of the unknown. At least to the non-locals, for to many of the natives, they are just another species they are very aware of. The Mystery Animals.

Mr. Billie has done his research well, and shows great knowledge of the animal kingdom. Hopefully, more works in this area will follow from this author.