Posted by: Nick Redfern on April 19th, 2012
Yes, I know (believe me, I know!) that some people roll their eyes when there is any mention of werewolves in the realm of reality rather than solely in the domain of fiction. And I also know that there are those within Cryptozoology who take the view that even if the phenomenon is a real one (which I believe it to be, although I think the traditional scenario of shape-shifting humans cannot, under any circumstances, provide a credible answer to the puzzle), it should be studied by definitive Forteans, rather than Cryptozoologists.
Fair enough. And, what, for the readers of Cryptomundo, defines a Cryptid and what does not, is an issue that genuinely interests and intrigues me. But, while that’s something I’ll address at a deeper level in an upcoming post, for now, back to those creatures of a full moon and a bit of notable news: Linda Godfrey, almost certainly the most prolific author – ever – on all-things lycanthrope-themed, has yet another book on the subject looming on the horizon!
This one (which will sit alongside her previous books on the subject, including The Beast of Bray Road and Hunting the American Werewolf) will be titled Real Wolfmen: True Encounters in Modern America, and will be published in just 4 months from now.
And here’s what the publisher – Tarcher – has to say about Real Wolfmen:
“What’s hiding in the woods? Here is the definitive account of today’s nationwide sightings of upright, canine creatures – which resemble traditional werewolves – and a thorough exploration of the nature and possible origins of the mysterious beast.
“The U.S. has been invaded – if many dozens of eyewitnesses are to be believed – by upright, canine creatures that look like traditional werewolves and act as if they own our woods, fields, and highways. Sightings from coast to coast dating back to the 1930s compel us to ask exactly what these beasts are, and what they want.
“Researcher, author and newspaper reporter Linda S. Godfrey has been tracking the manwolf since the early 1990. In Real Wolfmen she presents the only large-scale cataloging and investigation of reports of modern sightings of anomalous, upright canids. First-person accounts from Godfrey’s witnesses – who have encountered these creatures everywhere from outside their car windows to face-to-face on a late night stroll – describe the same human-sized canines: They are able to walk upright and hold food in their paws, interact fearlessly with humans, and suddenly and mysteriously disappear.
“Godfrey explores the most compelling cases from the modern history of such sightings, along with the latest reports, and undertakes a thorough exploration of the nature and possible origins of the creature.”
I will, of course, be reviewing Real Wolfmen right here, just as soon as I have devoured its monstrous pages…
Punk music fan, Tennents Super and Carlsberg Special Brew beer fan, horror film fan, chocolate fan, like to wear black clothes, like to stay up late. Work as a writer.