I Know What I Saw
Modern-Day Encounters with Monsters of New Urban Legend and Ancient Lore
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3.7 • 3 Ratings
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- £4.99
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
Which came first--the monster or the myth? Journalist Linda Godfrey investigates present-day encounters with mysterious creatures of old.
The monsters of ancient mythology, folklore, and more contemporary urban legend have long captured the popular imagination. While most people in America today relegate monsters to just that--our imaginations--we continue to be fascinated by the unknown. Linda Godfrey is one of the country's leading authorities on modern-day monsters and has interviewed countless eyewitnesses to strange phenomena. Monsters evolve, taking on both new and familiar forms over time and across cultures. In this well-researched book, Godfrey explores uncanny encounters with werewolves, goatmen, Bigfoot, and more.
In more than twenty-five years spent "chasing" monsters, Godfrey has found that it often remains unclear whether the sightings are simply mistaken animals, hoaxes, or coincidence. When all the speculation is said and done, one question remains for fans and researchers: Are the creatures "real," or are they entirely "other-world?" Godfrey suspects that it isn't an either/or question--our reality operates on a scale from dense matter to realms the human eye cannot see.
As Godfrey investigates unexplained phenomena, her search for answers will fascinate casual observers and enthusiasts alike.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Journalist Godfrey (Monsters Among Us) presents a striking collection of cryptozoological creatures and fantastical folklore from North America in this enjoyable work. In conversational prose, she discusses classics of the world of legendary animals werewolves, Bigfoot (the author shares her own Bigfoot encounter story), etc. but focuses mainly on modern sightings and urban legends that evolve quickly in the internet age. Godfrey examines accounts of monster sightings, which she threads together with strong analysis of how culturally significant symbols often manifest as real life visions or sightings; in particular, she looks in depth at "sightings" of creatures that have emerged from the internet, including stories about Slenderman, Shadow Man and Hat Man, as well as regionally specific monsters, among them the phenomenon of "dog women" such as the Mobile Wolf Woman and the Texas Lobo Girl. Godfrey offers possible alternative explanations of supernatural sightings without debunking any stories and is always respectful to believers. Pondering the historic and psychological connection between man and myth, she suggests that the "urge to chase monsters seems to be in our genes." A long bibliography and chronological list of reported sightings is also included. This quirky, deeply researched guide will be a great resource for monster hunters.
Customer Reviews
Okay, not the best
Book is a collection of short (very short) stories. There’s better books by this author stick to those.