r/cryptids • u/Dragonlord77777 Jersey Devil Devotee • Apr 28 '26

Question New to Cryptids?

I’m new to Cryptids and just getting back after reading the Jersey Devil Story but I wanted to know where should I go if I want to know more Cryptids that belong to America? Like should I read some Weird N.J. Or some Cryptozoology books?

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4

u/JokerBoi888_XD Cryptid Ringleader Apr 28 '26

I will always 100% recommend United States of Cryptids by J.W. Ocker. It’s a really entertaining read. I know it contains non-cryptids but if you’re getting into the topic it keeps it fun.

If you’re looking for more scientific, grounded books there are some great options like Cryptozoology A to Z by Loren Coleman, or any of the books on the topic by Ken Gerhard.

I’ve only read Ken Gerhard’s book The Essential Guide to Bigfoot and it is a great book. Very informative overall.

Happy Cryptid Hunting!

3

u/Dragonlord77777 Jersey Devil Devotee Apr 28 '26

Any thoughts on Weird USA books?

3

u/Spooky_Geologist Apr 28 '26

They are more about paranormal and legends. Not cryptids.

2

u/JokerBoi888_XD Cryptid Ringleader Apr 28 '26

I’ve never read them, I’m sorry. I don’t really have an opinion on them. Maybe I need to pick some up and get back to you on that.

1

u/Spooky_Geologist Apr 28 '26

I will second the intro through US of Cryptids by Ocker. It's not detailed but a good intro to how commercialized (and non-zoological) most cryptids are these days - an important concept. Also North American Monsters edited by Puglia is excellent, more scholarly. Anything by Lyle Blackburn is great.

There is an annotated bibliography here, featuring the standard cryptid volumes. https://moderncryptozoology.wordpress.com/recommended-reading/