The Secret History of Bigfoot by John O'Connor

The Secret History of Bigfoot

Field Notes on a North American Monster

John O'Connor

Sourcebooks · Print & ebook · May 27, 2025

"A winning portrait of America at its weirdest." — Publishers Weekly STARRED Review From the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest to off-the-wall cryptozoological conventions, one man searches high and low for the answer to the question: real or not, why do we want to believe?

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Who it’s for
A layered, conversational read that treats Bigfoot as history, habit, and cultural weather.
Genres
Folklore & Mythology, Haunted Places & Mysteries, Mind & Spirit
Published
Sourcebooks, May 27, 2025

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About this book

"A winning portrait of America at its weirdest." — Publishers Weekly STARRED Review From the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest to off-the-wall cryptozoological conventions, one man searches high and low for the answer to the question: real or not, why do we want to believe? Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil.

Continue reading

Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations? Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch. Curious to learn more, he embarks on a quest through the North American wilds in search of Bigfoot, its myth and meaning. Alongside an eccentric cast of characters, he explores the zany and secretive world of "cryptozoology," tracking Bigfoot through ancient folklore to Harry and the Hendersons, while examining the forces behind our ever-widening belief in the supernatural. As O'Connor treks through the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest, listens to firsthand accounts, and attends Bigfoot conventions, he's left wondering—what happens when the lines between myth and reality blur? Perfect for fans of Bill Bryson and Douglas Preston, and with sharp wit and an adventurous spirit, this heartfelt exploration of a cornerstone of American folklore unpacks why we believe in the things that we do, what that says about us, and how it shapes our world.

Field Notes

A layered, conversational read that treats Bigfoot as history, habit, and cultural weather.

Come here for

  • field notes with a folkloric edge
  • the pleasure of argument, not just wonder

Expect

  • travel and adventure threads
  • western wilds, staged for discussion

Where it sits

Folklore & Mythology41%
Mind & Spirit41%
Haunted Places & Mysteries39%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Exploration & Discovery
  • Folklore & Mythology
  • Adventure Travel
Authors
John O'Connor
Publisher
Sourcebooks
Published
May 27, 2025
Format
Print & ebook
Reading lane
Exploration & Discovery