Bigfoot Exposed - by David J Daegling (Paperback)

About the Book

In Bigfoot Exposed, biological anthropologist and primate physiology specialist David J. Daegling objectively examines the northwest American myth of Bigfoot. Using scientific methodology, Daegling systematically and persuasively repudiates the evidence purportedly demonstrati...

Book Synopsis

In Bigfoot Exposed, biological anthropologist and primate physiology specialist David J. Daegling objectively examines the northwest American myth of Bigfoot. Using scientific methodology, Daegling systematically and persuasively repudiates the evidence purportedly demonstrating the creature's existence, and ultimately concludes that Bigfoot exists only in the popular imagination.

Review Quotes

Bigfoot, aka the Sasquatch, gets no respect, especially from scientists. So complained the creature's advocates, and anthropologist David J. Daegling agreed with them. In writing Bigfoot Exposed: An Anthropologists Examines America's Enduring Legend, he drew upon not only his own specialty but also, with the help of friends, the physics of human movement. The latter was helpful in analyzing such traces of the creature as casts of its footprints and a film in which it is allegedly seen walking in its Nortwest U.S. habitat. Daegling's conclusion is straightforward: 'The absence of physical remains-bodies or parts thereof-is to my mind the most devastating argument against the Sasquatch.' One point made much of by Bigfoot enthusiasts is the sheer number of reported sightings that paint a relatively consistent portrait of the creature. It would be preposterous, they contend, to think that so many people could have entered into a kind of conspiracy to plant so much similar evidence. Daegling rejoins that this mode of argument sets up 'a rhetorical trick known as the false dilemma.' It hardly takes conspiring to produce a consistent profile of a Bigfoot. 'If potential hoaxers can read a newspaper or operate a television remote, ' the author writes, 'they have the ability to acquire descriptions of Bigfoot evidence and recreat that evidence in short order.'

Daegling's level-headed dissection of the (surprisingly) enduring legend of Bigfoot is more thoughtful and bemused than derisively dismissive. But there's no question that the biological anthropologist-a specialist in primate anatomy and biomechanics, useful disciplines for a study of primate bones no one can find and for analyzing a creature's distinctive gait-both starts and ends his examination of evidence for the big beast's existence as a confirmed skeptic. He's a scientist, and scientists depend on verifiable data; his thorough examination-more a reasoned debunking-of the existing data brings refreshing clarity to a muddled mystery. By book's end, Daegling has convincingly refuted the few seconds of film allegedly capturing Bigfoot, back in 1958, and skillfully undercut the "proof" of oversized footprints by reporting on men who constructed fake feet. And he has, almost sorrowfully, assessed the arguments of the truly obsessed, which link Bigfoot's essential invisibility to the intervention of UFOs. It's not likely to change minds, however: as Daegling himself notes, myths don't depend on facts to fuel their persistence.

David Daegling has written a wonderful book on the North American Bigfoot myth. It is conversational in style, and peppered with exceptionally well-written turns of phrase. The book is admirably thorough, and a model for others to follow in debunking myths.

Here is the book that both true believers and doubters have long been calling for: a serious scientific look at the evidence for Bigfoot's physical existence. Elegantly reasoned and written, Bigfoot Exposed treats the subject with an open mind, the care and depth it deserves, and respect for everyone involved. Those of us who remain hopeful that Bigfoot walks should definitely read this enjoyable book, as well as the skeptics. While Dr. Daegling cannot prove that Sasquatch is strictly legendary, he certainly raises the bar for belief in North America's giants. This can only be good for all in search of the truth.

Highly recommended. All public and academic levels/libraries.

How do you prove the nonexistence of something like Bigfoot? You can't. But you can critically examine the evidence, and apply scientific ways of thinking to establish probabilities that the wild man of the woods does or does not exist. In Bigfoot Exposed, physical anthropologist Daegling shows us how to reason scientifically. Anyone interested in critical thinking will want to read this book.

I could not put it down! It is absolutely marvelous. Daegling's handling of the subject itself, as well as his treatment of the tension between science and, well, not science, is masterful. His writing style is spot on, perfect for a book written by a scientist for a popular audience.

I think Bigfoot Exposed is a wonderful contribution to the legend of Bigfoot and emphasizes the correct role for science within the controversy. The arguments advanced are sound and not only well-constructed but artfully so. Overall the book is terrific! If someone wanted a comprehensive scientific review of Bigfoot, there presently are no other good options.

About the Author

David J. Daegling, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Florida, is a biological anthropologist specializing in the study of primate anatomy and biomechanics.