Explore monster myths and legends of the Empire State.

Mining a mountain of folklore publications, North American Monsters unearths decades of notable monster research. Nineteen folkloristic case studies from the last half-century examine legendary monsters in their native habitats, focusing on ostensibly living creatures bound to specific geographic locales. A diverse cast of scholars contemplate these alluring creatures, feared and beloved by the communities that host them—the Jersey Devil gliding over the Pine Barrens, Lieby wriggling through Lake Lieberman, Char-Man stalking the Ojai Valley, and many, many more. Embracing local stories, beliefs, and traditions while neither promoting nor debunking, North American Monsters aspires to revive scholarly interest in local legendary monsters and creatures and to encourage folkloristic monster legend sleuthing.

Is scaring yourself silly by telling creepy tales around a campfire your idea of a good time? Paranormal investigators Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler share reportedly true accounts of the strangest, most chilling creatures ever documented in the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. From sightings of bigfoot to encounters with werewolves--and even a Great Lakes sea monster--this collection of 23 stories is sure to keep you up at night. Try to remember: that noise you hear... it's probably just the wind.

This unique field guide draws on modern sightings, folklore, urban legends, and mythology to give novices all they need to begin a fearless foray into the world of monsterology. 75 photos.