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Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life
s/t: The Story Of Sub-Humans On Five Continents From The Early Ice Age Until Today
Do Abominable Snowmen exist? Prepare yourself for a shock. In the opinion of one of the world's leading naturalists, not one, but possibly four separate kinds of yeti still walk the earth! Factual reports of wild, strange, hairy men have emanated from every continent except Australia and the Antarctic! Do they really live on the fringes of the towering Himalayas and the edge of mythhaunted Tibet' They do, but we are far more likely to catch one in the impenetrable Klamath Forests of Northern California. Now, at last, Ivan Sanderson, who has been accumulating material for 30 years on this subject, explains in clear language just why no Snowman has ever been captured and kept for a zoo or a museumthough one was caught during the last century, in Canada.
Do Abominable Snowmen exist? Prepare yourself for a shock. In the opinion of one of the world's leading naturalists, not one, but possibly four separate kinds of yeti still walk the earth! Factual reports of wild, strange, hairy men have emanated from every continent except Australia and the Antarctic! Do they really live on the fringes of the towering Himalayas and the edge of mythhaunted Tibet' They do, but we are far more likely to catch one in the impenetrable Klamath Forests of Northern California. Now, at last, Ivan Sanderson, who has been accumulating material for 30 years on this subject, explains in clear language just why no Snowman has ever been captured and kept for a zoo or a museumthough one was caught during the last century, in Canada.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
20 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Ivan T. Sanderson
112 books38 followersScottish biologist, mostly known for his writings on cryptozoology and the paranormal.
Sanderson published three classics of nature writing: Animal Treasure, a report of an expedition to the jungles of then-British West Africa; Caribbean Treasure, an account of an expedition to Trinidad, Haiti, and Surinam, begun in late 1936 and ending in late 1938; and Living Treasure, an account of an expedition to Jamaica, British Honduras (now Belize) and the Yucatan.
Sanderson published three classics of nature writing: Animal Treasure, a report of an expedition to the jungles of then-British West Africa; Caribbean Treasure, an account of an expedition to Trinidad, Haiti, and Surinam, begun in late 1936 and ending in late 1938; and Living Treasure, an account of an expedition to Jamaica, British Honduras (now Belize) and the Yucatan.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2011
Hello My fellow Book Worms:
This book has lots of meaning for me. I bought a dusty old paperback version of this book years ago but only read part of it because it was fairly damaged. Back then I used to have a waterbed and one day it developed a leak and the Abominable Snowmen became waterlogged as I had it on the floor by the bed in a small group of "To-be-read" books. Needless to say the other three books in that group suffered the same fate. I sadly threw them all away and found it almost impossible to find another copy of Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life. Then, of all places, while I was at a recent reptile convention, I was looking through a favorite book dealers offerings and...*WHAM!!!!* I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought, at first, it to be an illusion but as I hefted the book into my hands all thoughts of illusory visions faded. I looked in disbelief. I was holding the sacred tome I had been searching for for many years; "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come To Life." It was in beautiful condition and in its original hardback version to boot. There was no way this fish was being thrown back into the sea; it was coming home with me. Thirty-Five dollars later the book was mine.
I really have enjoyed the stories and eye-witness accounts contained within. Some of the stories seem a bit far-fetched but many others are amazing glimpses into the world of Abominable Snowmen. Included within the covers of this book are line drawings, range maps, and even a photograph session. If Cryptozoology interests you then you need to search out a copy of this early work in the field. This is a book I can see myself being drawn to multiple times for a quick chapter or two re-read. Fun stuff.
Have a Wonderful Day!!!
The "Creature"
April 12, 2010
A slightly incoherent and disorganized, but thorough and completely interesting book about cryptozoological hominids throughout the world by the famed cryptozoologist and Fortean chronicler, Ivan Sanderson. This book dates from 1960, and Sanderson died in 1973, but there is more in this book than any other I've read. Sanderson spent years scouring libraries and archives for news on strange, unknown animals, and visited Nepal, Malaysia, and both North and South America as well as Africa.
June 17, 2020
Strange topic that a biologist attempts to look at from a scientific point of view. Interesting writing. If more scientists could write like him I think people would read more science books.
February 14, 2016
Very hard read. The author jumps around way too much. Also aggravating is the blatant disregard of some evidence. For instance, the author only mentions the hundreds of giant skeletons found all over the world. He dismisses these as unimportant and instead focuses on...are you ready? Footprints. Yep, footprints. To be a bit fairer to the author, this book was originally out in 1961. 6 years before the famous Patterson/Gimlin film. And the giant footprints being found, seemingly every day, were still all the rage. Also, the idea of hoaxers didn't even enter the minds of most. Theses days we know of course that hoaxers are everywhere. Other elements that the author focuses on would be highly controversial today. To be blunt, said comments would be considered racism. I won't repeat what is stated here. I found the statements, supposedly founded in science, interesting. If Al Sharpton ever reads it he will have a conniption fit, for it directly contradicts what he routinely preaches. All in all, I really can't recommend this book unless you are a die hard Bigfoot reader or researcher. It's much too dry a read for me.
February 23, 2020
As a life-long enthusiast for all things Bigfoot who grew up in the Sasquatch heydays of the 1970s, it is my opinion that this is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject prior to the 1970s. Sanderson was an early believer who had a background in zoology and botany, so his ideas (in 1961) carried weight against skeptics, much like Grover Krantz would do later and Jeff Meldrum today. This book covers sightings and reports from around the globe, and Sanderson's travels and experiences as an animal collector allow him to give detail and color to many locations outside of North America. His writing style might give fits to modern readers, but it has a rhythm once you give yourself over to it.
May 23, 2024
An ok read
This is the second time I read this. First time was a hard copy which I still have and will keep. The kindle copy doesn't have the illustrations which sucked. I don't remember it being so tedious but this time I found it hard to get through. For those into reading about the yeti and other cryptids I recommend it. I consider it a classic in its category.
This is the second time I read this. First time was a hard copy which I still have and will keep. The kindle copy doesn't have the illustrations which sucked. I don't remember it being so tedious but this time I found it hard to get through. For those into reading about the yeti and other cryptids I recommend it. I consider it a classic in its category.
January 14, 2017
Revisting abominable snowman, legend come to life.
I first read this book back in high school. I was impressed with the fact it is not just a repetition of stories told by numerous people who may or may not be telling the truth, or even exist. I appreciate the lengths Mr. Sanderson goes through to explain how these creatures may, or may not .exist in any given area.
I first read this book back in high school. I was impressed with the fact it is not just a repetition of stories told by numerous people who may or may not be telling the truth, or even exist. I appreciate the lengths Mr. Sanderson goes through to explain how these creatures may, or may not .exist in any given area.
September 25, 2020
Dr. Sanderson presents the subject matter in a concise and well ordered manner that anyone can read and understand. He covers the mythos of these beast as well as the scientific evidence in detail. This the 3rd time I have rad this book.
Want to read
April 2, 2007Far as I can tell this whole book is about scientists find large "scat" in the woods and then getting all worked up about it.
August 3, 2025
Despite the fact that this book was written over 60 years ago, the information, research and scholarship that is demonstrated in this book is probably still just as valid today, as when it was written in 1961. People were probably more open minded on the subject back then, when explorers began encountering these creatures in their Himalayan treks.
Sanderson approaches the subject of ABSMs/Bigfoot/hominids in a very scientific, open-minded and non-dogmatic manner. Ivan T Sanderson comes from a zoological-botanical background and has travelled extensively around the world, visiting many of the areas where ABSMs have been encountered. His extensive knowledge of wildlife is put to good use in this book, and there are many instances where he was able to identify a given sighting of the ABSM as a known creature. But likewise, he was quick to shoot-down any ill-considered debunking of an encounter. His writing style is at times journalistic (especially in the opening chapters) but later moving to a more scientific style; so much so that I had to read through the last few chapters very slowly. The book is loaded with photographs, diagrams and especially maps, the latter of which Sanderson puts to good use in elaborating many of his ideas and theories.
His coverage of the subject is not limited to Northern India, Nepal, Tibet and the Himalayas. There is ample discussion of sightings/experiences with these creatures in South America, Africa, Central Asia and of course North America. My one criticism of his book is that he doesn't cover Australia. Is it possible that he wasn't aware of sightings, tracks and other evidence from Down-Under - the famous Yowie - with recorded sightings going back to the 19th century, not to mention the experiences of indigenous people for hundreds and thousands of years.
I learned so much from Sanderson's book. For example:
- When the different sightings and tracks are taken into account, there may be as many as 3-4 different species.
- Local lore, legends and mythology tie very closely with the areas/regions in which these creatures have been encountered.
- Sanderson found that there was a commonality to the type of vegetation and terrain in which the ABSMs have been encountered. The regions in which these creatures appear to inhabit are what he refers to as Montane forests. These are typically areas which are densely forested, not frequented or lived in by many humans and largely unexplored. It's surprising how much of the Earth's land surface is not frequented by human beings.
Sanderson approaches the subject of ABSMs/Bigfoot/hominids in a very scientific, open-minded and non-dogmatic manner. Ivan T Sanderson comes from a zoological-botanical background and has travelled extensively around the world, visiting many of the areas where ABSMs have been encountered. His extensive knowledge of wildlife is put to good use in this book, and there are many instances where he was able to identify a given sighting of the ABSM as a known creature. But likewise, he was quick to shoot-down any ill-considered debunking of an encounter. His writing style is at times journalistic (especially in the opening chapters) but later moving to a more scientific style; so much so that I had to read through the last few chapters very slowly. The book is loaded with photographs, diagrams and especially maps, the latter of which Sanderson puts to good use in elaborating many of his ideas and theories.
His coverage of the subject is not limited to Northern India, Nepal, Tibet and the Himalayas. There is ample discussion of sightings/experiences with these creatures in South America, Africa, Central Asia and of course North America. My one criticism of his book is that he doesn't cover Australia. Is it possible that he wasn't aware of sightings, tracks and other evidence from Down-Under - the famous Yowie - with recorded sightings going back to the 19th century, not to mention the experiences of indigenous people for hundreds and thousands of years.
I learned so much from Sanderson's book. For example:
- When the different sightings and tracks are taken into account, there may be as many as 3-4 different species.
- Local lore, legends and mythology tie very closely with the areas/regions in which these creatures have been encountered.
- Sanderson found that there was a commonality to the type of vegetation and terrain in which the ABSMs have been encountered. The regions in which these creatures appear to inhabit are what he refers to as Montane forests. These are typically areas which are densely forested, not frequented or lived in by many humans and largely unexplored. It's surprising how much of the Earth's land surface is not frequented by human beings.
June 19, 2024
Ivan T. Sanderson's book Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life offers a fascinating and in-depth analysis of the enigmatic and elusive species known as the Yeti or Abominable Snowmen. Sanderson is a well-known zoologist and cryptozoologist who approaches the subject with an open mind and a scientific method. He meticulously compiles reports, firsthand accounts, and tangible proof from various expeditions and sources around the world. The book is both instructive and interesting due to the author's engaging writing style and comprehensive study of the possibility of unknown monkeys living in remote corners of the earth. This novel stands out in the cryptozoology genre because of Sanderson's skill in fusing science, folklore, and daring adventure.
Although Sanderson's enthusiasm and thorough research are admirable, readers might notice that the book occasionally relies too much on conjecture and anecdotal evidence without clear-cut scientific support. Many cases and speculative evidence can overwhelm or frustrate skeptics seeking more conclusive evidence. Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life is nevertheless an intriguing book to read despite these possible flaws. Sanderson's enthusiasm for the subject and his desire to explore the unknown inspire readers to contemplate the possibility of solving mysteries in the vast and unexplored corners of the world.
Although Sanderson's enthusiasm and thorough research are admirable, readers might notice that the book occasionally relies too much on conjecture and anecdotal evidence without clear-cut scientific support. Many cases and speculative evidence can overwhelm or frustrate skeptics seeking more conclusive evidence. Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life is nevertheless an intriguing book to read despite these possible flaws. Sanderson's enthusiasm for the subject and his desire to explore the unknown inspire readers to contemplate the possibility of solving mysteries in the vast and unexplored corners of the world.
May 21, 2023
I hate to give this a bad rating. I’ve wanted to read it for so long. But this book was over my head in so many ways. I feel like I’d have to be an expert in geography, anthropology, and much more to understand it. If this book was a class I could take where someone could try to explain it differently and I could study on it, I might would change my mind.
December 15, 2022
I really enjoyed learning the truth about our planet and what really lives here and where and why and cultures and perspectives and history.
June 18, 2023
Loved this classic. Amazing thorough investigation for it's time and very well written.
February 1, 2015
Interesting.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews