Presents a history of monster lore in American popular culture, from legendary beasts, like Bigfoot, to present day creatures, such as the Montauk Monster.

In 1692 in Colonial America, a frightening and unforgettable event took place: the Salem Witch Trials. Since then, people have been captivated by the idea of witches living among us, casting spells, and causing mischief. Some of those very real legends and how they have evolved into what we know of witches today, including Harry Potter and the Wizard of Oz, are explored in this exciting volume.

While many of our culture's ideas about vampires originated in Eastern Europe, the United States is home to its own terrifying true tales of voracious vampires and bloodsucking beasts. Traveling from the coasts of New England to the swamps of Louisiana and to the dramatic deserts of the Southwest, this book uncovers the hidden history of vampires in America. Readers will enjoy learning about the natural phenomena underlying local vampire legends,...