Bigfoot in Evolutionary Perspective: The Hidden Life of a North American Hominin

Wilson’s Bigfoot in Evolutionary Perspective is an in-depth look at the available information regarding this unique cryptid. The author takes an anthropologist’s approach, studying many different aspects of the creature known as “Bigfoot”.

Making use of John Green’s database of reported sightings, Wilson presents us with a plethora of statistical evidence. There are chapters devoted to anatomical analysis, from height to a propensity for night reflecting eyes, and to abilities and sensory perceptions. Other chapters compare and contrast known sasquatch information to another hominid—Gigantopithecus, and to our nearest relatives among geni Homo and Australopithecus. Chapters on anatomy include specific discussions of hands, feet, and cranial capacity. Wilson also covers the Very Important Topic of hoaxers, which is necessary to address when writing about any cryptid. He also covers another Very Important Topic, that of eyewitness fallibility, something else important to acknowledge.

Fun stuff: it was very neat to see such a nice, organized analysis of this elusive cryptid. Wilson clearly supports the pro side, but he’s good at playing the Devil’s Advocate and arguing both sides. I like how the material was presented. This book is intellectual rather than sensational.

Not so fun stuff: there’s a scattering of grammar errors. It could use another proofing session. There aren’t too many though. I did find the language at times very convoluted and difficult to parse, though I read a great deal of scholarly material (anthropology, psychology, archaeology, philosophy). I think it could be tidied up a bit, while still keeping the scholarly bent. I do disagree somewhat with the section on eyewitness reliability. Having carried out many mock “crime” or “surprise” scenarios for teaching/learning purposes, I have to say eyewitness recall is quite unreliable. Our brains are very good at filling memory gaps with what we expect and sometimes what we desperately desire. A person who has an unexplainable encounter who believes in cryptids is more likely to fill gaps with that, than is the person who is a skeptic.