A geological surveyor by trade, English author CHARLES GOULD (1834-1893) was rather more interested in the strange ornithological specimens he collected on his journeys around the world. Mythical Monsters, the result of this deep and abiding fascination, is one of the classics of the field of cryptozoology, or the study of unknown or hidden creatures.

Mythical Monsters "reflects the curiosity for the natural world that [Gould] carried with him in his travels for most of his life," says cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in his new introduction. "The book, naturally, dwells on geological mysteries early in its pages, merging in his thoughts on Atlantis, the Great Flood, and evidence for such events he saw written in the land. But the bulk of the book is about 'monsters' that intrigued Gould, including the unicorn, the phoenix, and the dragon." Monsters also features an essential section on the mysterious beasts of the ocean depths.

This new edition, a replica of the original 1886 first edition complete with the original illustrations, is part of Cosimo's Loren Coleman Presents series.

LOREN COLEMAN is author of numerous books of cryptozoology, including Bigfoot!: The True Story of Apes in America and Mothman and Other Curious Encounters.