The Book of Snakes: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World

The second edition of "The Book of Snakes" is a beautifully illustrated guide to 600 members of the suborder Serpentes, covering one in seven of all snake species. It features spectacular photos with easy-to-digest text, combining a broad, worldwide sample with full-color, life-size accounts. The text is written for laypeople and includes a glossary of frequently used terms. Herpetologists and herpetoculturists will delight in this collection, and even those with a more cautious stance on snakes will be drawn in by the wild diversity of the suborder Serpentes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 656 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For countless generations, humans have held a peculiar fascination and revulsion towards snakes. While some individuals recoil in terror at the mere mention of these creatures, others joyfully embrace them as pets. Snakes possess the remarkable ability to exude both beauty and menace with a mere flick of their tongue, earning them a unique place in our diverse cultures. However, the true essence of these reptiles extends far beyond the interpretations we ascribe to them.

In a revised edition, this comprehensive guide now reflects the most recent species classifications. The Book of Snakes presents a captivating exploration of 600 snake species, accounting for approximately one in seven of all snake species worldwide. It delves into the rich tapestry of a group of reptiles that has thrived for over 160 million years, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica, as well as two of the vast oceans.

This remarkable volume seamlessly combines breathtaking photographs with concise and accessible text. It stands as the first book to offer a broad, global sampling alongside full-color, life-size accounts of these captivating creatures. Entries feature close-up shots of the snakes' heads and a section showcasing their actual size, allowing readers to delve into the intricate scale patterns, vibrant rainbow of colors, and distinctive features such as the cobra's hood or the rattlesnake's rattle. The text is crafted with a clear understanding of the layperson, incorporating a comprehensive glossary of frequently used terms. Whether you are a seasoned herpetologist or a novice enthusiast, this collection will captivate your senses, and even those with a more cautious approach towards snakes will be drawn in by the awe-inspiring diversity showcased within the subo.

Weight: 2320g
Dimension: 192 x 279 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226832852
Edition number: Second Edition