Bigfoot Exposed: An Anthropologist Examines America's Enduring Legend

by David J. Daegling

Overview

The myth of Bigfoot has captured the popular imagination since the creature's first public debut in 1958—numerous citations of 'evidence,' newspaper articles, books, hysterical personal accounts, and even Hollywood movies illustrate the American public's enduring romance with the Sasquatch. The scientific community on the whole, however, has stubbornly refused to comment on what it views as a very tall tale, though Bigfoot's existence continues to be hotly argued between proponents of the beast and its skeptics. Now, biological anthropologist and primate physiology specialist David J. Daegling enters the fray to offer both sides of the dispute benefit of objective scientific study. A well-crafted read, Bigfoot Exposed will prove to be as much a model of scientific method for anthropologists and researchers as it is an engaging and persuasive debunking of the myth of Bigfoot.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759105386
Publisher:	AltaMira Press
Publication date:	10/22/2004
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.42(w) x 9.34(h) x 0.89(d)

About the Author

David J. Daegling, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Florida, is a biological anthropologist specializing in the study of primate anatomy and biomechanics.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Encounters with Monsters
Chapter 3 Chapter 2: The Natural History of Bigfoot
Chapter 4 Chapter 3: The Social History of Bigfoot
Chapter 5 Chapter 4. Bigfoot Scrutinized: Why the Greatest Hits are all Misses
Chapter 6 Chapter 5: The Patterson Film
Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Further Musings on Footprints
Chapter 8 Chapter 7: Three Red Herrings
Chapter 9 Chapter 8: A Science of Sasquatch?
Chapter 10 Chapter 9: The Eyewitness Problem
Chapter 11 Chapter 10: The Bardin Booger
Chapter 12 Chapter 11: The Phenomenon
Part 13 References
Part 14 Index
Part 15 About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Kenneth L. Feder

I could not put it down! It is absolutely marvelous. Daegling's handling of the subject itself, as well as his treatment of the tension between science and, well, not science, is masterful. His writing style is spot on, perfect for a book written by a scientist for a popular audience.

Eugenie C. Scott

How do you prove the nonexistence of something like Bigfoot? You can't. But you can critically examine the evidence, and apply scientific ways of thinking to establish probabilities that the wild man of the woods does or does not exist. In Bigfoot Exposed, physical anthropologist Daegling shows us how to reason scientifically. Anyone interested in critical thinking will want to read this book.

Robert Michael Pyle

Here is the book that both true believers and doubters have long been calling for: a serious scientific look at the evidence for Bigfoot's physical existence. Elegantly reasoned and written, Bigfoot Exposed treats the subject with an open mind, the care and depth it deserves, and respect for everyone involved. Those of us who remain hopeful that Bigfoot walks should definitely read this enjoyable book, as well as the skeptics. While Dr. Daegling cannot prove that Sasquatch is strictly legendary, he certainly raises the bar for belief in North America's giants. This can only be good for all in search of the truth.

Jeffrey K. McKee

David Daegling has written a wonderful book on the North American Bigfoot myth. It is conversational in style, and peppered with exceptionally well-written turns of phrase. The book is admirably thorough, and a model for others to follow in debunking myths.

Michael R. Dennett

I think Bigfoot Exposed is a wonderful contribution to the legend of Bigfoot and emphasizes the correct role for science within the controversy. The arguments advanced are sound and not only well-constructed but artfully so. Overall the book is terrific! If someone wanted a comprehensive scientific review of Bigfoot, there presently are no other good options.

Editorial Reviews

I could not put it down! It is absolutely marvelous. Daegling's handling of the subject itself, as well as his treatment of the tension between science and, well, not science, is masterful. His writing style is spot on, perfect for a book written by a scientist for a popular audience.

Kenneth L. Feder

Daegling's level-headed dissection of the (surprisingly) enduring legend of Bigfoot is more thoughtful and bemused than derisively dismissive. But there's no question that the biological anthropologist-a specialist in primate anatomy and biomechanics, useful disciplines for a study of primate bones no one can find and for analyzing a creature's distinctive gait-both starts and ends his examination of evidence for the big beast's existence as a confirmed skeptic. He's a scientist, and scientists depend on verifiable data; his thorough examination-more a reasoned debunking-of the existing data brings refreshing clarity to a muddled mystery. By book's end, Daegling has convincingly refuted the few seconds of film allegedly capturing Bigfoot on the loose, effectively questioned the eyewitness sightings that blossomed after the most celebrated manifestation of Bigfoot, back in 1958, and skillfully undercut the "proof" of oversized footprints by reporting on men who constructed fake feet. And he has, almost sorrowfully, assessed the arguments of the truly obsessed, which link Bigfoot's essential invisibility to the intervention of UFOs. It's not likely to change minds, however: as Daegling himself notes, myths don't depend on facts to fuel their persistence. (Jan.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Here is the book that both true believers and doubters have long been calling for: a serious scientific look at the evidence for Bigfoot's physical existence. Elegantly reasoned and written, Bigfoot Exposed treats the subject with an open mind, the care and depth it deserves, and respect for everyone involved. Those of us who remain hopeful that Bigfoot walks should definitely read this enjoyable book, as well as the skeptics. While Dr. Daegling cannot prove that Sasquatch is strictly legendary, he certainly raises the bar for belief in North America's giants. This can only be good for all in search of the truth.

Robert Michael Pyle

I think Bigfoot Exposed is a wonderful contribution to the legend of Bigfoot and emphasizes the correct role for science within the controversy. The arguments advanced are sound and not only well-constructed but artfully so. Overall the book is terrific! If someone wanted a comprehensive scientific review of Bigfoot, there presently are no other good options.

Michael R. Dennett

David Daegling has written a wonderful book on the North American Bigfoot myth. It is conversational in style, and peppered with exceptionally well-written turns of phrase. The book is admirably thorough, and a model for others to follow in debunking myths.

Jeffrey K. McKee

How do you prove the nonexistence of something like Bigfoot? You can't. But you can critically examine the evidence, and apply scientific ways of thinking to establish probabilities that the wild man of the woods does or does not exist. In Bigfoot Exposed, physical anthropologist Daegling shows us how to reason scientifically. Anyone interested in critical thinking will want to read this book.

Eugenie C. Scott

Highly recommended. All public and academic levels/libraries.

The Washington Post

Here is the book that both true believers and doubters have long been calling for: a serious scientific look at the evidence for Bigfoot's physical existence. Elegantly reasoned and written, Bigfoot Exposed treats the subject with an open mind, the care and depth it deserves, and respect for everyone involved. Those of us who remain hopeful that Bigfoot walks should definitely read this enjoyable book, as well as the skeptics. While Dr. Daegling cannot prove that Sasquatch is strictly legendary, he certainly raises the bar for belief in North America's giants. This can only be good for all in search of the truth.--Robert Michael Pyle, author of Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide

How do you prove the nonexistence of something like Bigfoot? You can't. But you can critically examine the evidence, and apply scientific ways of thinking to establish probabilities that the wild man of the woods does or does not exist. In Bigfoot Exposed, physical anthropologist Daegling shows us how to reason scientifically. Anyone interested in critical thinking will want to read this book.--Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director, National Center for Science Education, Inc.

I could not put it down! It is absolutely marvelous. Daegling's handling of the subject itself, as well as his treatment of the tension between science and, well, not science, is masterful. His writing style is spot on, perfect for a book written by a scientist for a popular audience.--Kenneth L. Feder, Central Connecticut State University

From the Publisher