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Book Review by Craig Heinselman

Bigfoot Sightings of East Central Alabama

By James M. Smith


Chambers, Lee, Randolph & Tallapoose Co.
ISBN - N/A -Self Published, Wadley, Alabama, 47 pages (plus 5 note pages)
 
 

This review by Craig Heinselman
originally appeared in Crypto Vol. IV, No. I, January 2001

Researchers of Hominology hear of encounters and reports of Bigfoot type creatures from all over the country. In the Unites States many stories come from the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest (especially areas like Ohio) as well as Florida for its "Skunk Ape". However, other parts of the country are relatively "virgin" in regards to information. Part of this may be due to diminished numbers of researchers in those particular areas, and for a less density of Homin populations in those areas (assuming such creatures exist for this point to be made).

What Smith has presented is original research from four counties of Alabama, a state not high on the Hominology researchers list of "hot spots." Smith's book is not comprehensive, but what it does offer is the chance for an interested research to get an idea of the Alabama country and how it dealt with reports of Bigfoot.

a) how the reports vary in that geographic area.

The reader is introduced to such curious creatures then as the Wampus ( or Waupus and Waupus Cat) and the school house sitting Bigfoot. Even though at first sight these are slightly humorous names, they are presented in a straightforward and serious fashion with no obvious embellishments, as can be seen in the following excerpt from page 24:

"The Bigfoot walked at a normal pace toward the police car as if he belonged there. Startled by the creature and not caring to encounter it alone, the policeman sped to town. After hearing of another sighting several people returned to the churchyard with him to again search for the Bigfoot. This search lasted about two hours and as seemed to always be the case, nothing was ever found."

Although most of the book deals with Alabama reports, there are a few exceptions. These seem perhaps a bit out of place, but as they are from Smith's own research they do have a place in his book. The first "out of place" item is Chapter 2 of the book Biblical Bigfoot? In which a interpretation of various verses from the Bible are evaluated as possible Bigfoot style creatures, in particular the stories dealing with Esau and the book of Genesis. Smith emphatically states though that:

"Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs. The following is simply one possibility and in no way considered provable fact."

The other out of place item is a touching in of a theory of UFO connection. Now, Smith just touches on this as he also has researched into the UFO phenomenon.

In its entirety Smith created an enjoyable book, that is put together decently for a self- published tome. That when read gives one the idea and feel for the reports and stories from the geographic region.

Review © Craig Heinselman - January 2001. Francestown, NH, USA.

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