On the Track of Unknown Animals [Abridged] [Paperback]

Bernard Heuvelmans (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1972

Dozens of strange animals have been discovered since the beginning of the 19th century when Georges Cuvier, the "Father of Paleontology," categorically stated his doubt that any large animals were still unknown. In this book, translated and abridged by Richard Garnett, Heuvelmans examines the evidence about animals in lost or little-known worlds—still undiscovered or unrecognized by science. He traces the history of the moa, the giant sloth, and the mammoth, and tracks down the Ape Man of Sumatra, the Not So Abominable Snowman, the Incredible Australian Bunyips, and the Little Hairy Men—enlivening (if that is possible!) his search with 78 drawings and 32 halftones.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is the most scientifically rigorous and complete books on recently discovered large animals -- such as the Pleistocene Peccary (the largest of all hogs, believed to have been extinct since the last age but recently discovered in Paraguay) -- to various possibly soon-to-be discovered megafauna such as Yetis, Sasquatchs -- and maybe even Mammoths.

If sensationalized and cheap TV shows about "mysterious animals" nauseate you, but nonetheless leave you with a nagging feeling that there might be a large critter lurking beneath the copious serving of tripe, this is definitely the book for you. Or if (like me) you've done eight years of fieldwork in zoology, it will make you want to accompany Dr. Heuvelmans on his next expedition. Highly Recommended. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Published as two volumes in 1955, cryptozoologist Heuvelmans's work provides a detailed analysis of mysterious creatures that, in the wake of scientific exploration by pioneering biologists, have become commonly known, e.g., the gorilla. This updated edition covers several new species that have been discovered within the last decade.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press; abridged edition edition (May 15, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262580209
• ISBN-13: 978-0262580205
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,154,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Classic should be in every library, May 22, 1999

By 

reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Track Of Unknown Animals (Hardcover)

The "Father of Cryptozoology" wrote most of this book in French in 1955, and it remains as important today, as it did then. Furthermore, the master chronicler of as-yet-to-be-discovered animals has an updated introduction for this edition. A must for your cryptozoology collection, this book should be in every library, public and private, around the world.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars isn't Enough, this is a TEN !, May 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: On The Track Of Unknown Animals (Hardcover)

For those of you who do not know Mr. Brenard Heuvelmans (1916-2001) was one of the true pioneers in Cryptozoology (study of hidden animals) "On the Track of Unknown Animals" is certainly a must for those who find this topic interesting.
In 2003 Jerry D. Coleman released his book continuing on the work of Heuvelmans in "Strange Highways", also found here at Amazon.com. It was "Strange Highways" open, logical, fresh story's that peeked my interest in this subject.
You couldn't go wrong reading them both.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, January 6, 2003

By 

Mister "Mister" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Track Of Unknown Animals (Hardcover)

A magnificent text that can be difficult to get your hands on. If you see it then BUY it.

Quite simply Heuvelmans reviews 'crptids' and breaks them down, analysing sightings, discussing possible explanations and then concluding with logic on an identity.

Of most interest to non-cryptozoologists is the lengthy list of creatures to have been discovered since 1900. White rhino, Giant Forest Hog, Komodo Dragon, Okapi. A more modern list would also add the megamouth shark and the various animals of the Vu Quang region of Vietnam.