{"product_id":"a-manifestation-of-monsters-examining-the-un-usual-suspects-1","title":"A Manifestation Of Monsters: Examining The (Un)Usual Suspects","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe spectacular front-cover painting by American artist Michael J. Smith, depicting 17 astonishing mystery beasts and other controversial entities, was the inspiration for this latest book by leading cryptozoologist Dr. Karl Shuker. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Ever since first seeing it in 2012, Shuker has wanted to prepare a book incorporating this painting's eclectic company of creatures, but the fundamental problem that he faced was how to categorize them collectively. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e What single term could be used that would encompass this exceedingly diverse array of forms, plus the many additional creatures also to be included in the book? \"Cryptid\" was not sufficiently comprehensive, nor was \"mystery creature\" or \"unknown animal,\" because some of the depicted beasts seemingly exist beyond the perimeters-and parameters-of cryptozoology's traditional confines. Eventually, Shuker concluded that only one such term could satisfy all those requirements. Indeed, it was tailor-made for this purpose. The term? What else could it be? \"Monster\"! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Derived from the Latin noun \"monstrum\" and the Old French \"monstre,\" \"monster\" has many different definitions-a very strange, frightening, possibly evil\/ugly mythical creature; something huge and\/or threatening; a mutant, or abnormal animal; even something extraordinary, astonishing, incredible, unnatural, inexplicable. These definitions collectively cover all of this book's subjects-and so too, therefore, does the single word \"monster\" from which the definitions derive. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Consequently, this book is a manifestation of monsters-a unique exhibition, a singular gathering, an exceptional congregation of some of the strangest, most mystifying, and sometimes truly terrifying creatures ever reported.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Anomalist Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50446602567954,"sku":"9781938398520","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_7851b60c-4912-4f84-a266-1d3012101f34.jpg?v=1729709197","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/a-manifestation-of-monsters-examining-the-un-usual-suspects-1","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}