From School Library Journal
YA?This fine resource is organized by broad themes that cover pertinent aspects of the life cycle of snakes?their biology, history, and taxonomy. Chapter topics include origin and evolution, morphology and function, feeding, defense, and reproduction. One especially interesting chapter highlights the tenuous relationship between snakes and humans. Fascinating sidebars offer tantalizing insights into research, history, and misconceptions. The book's organization encourages students to keep reading after locating specific answers to their questions. The detailed index includes both common and scientific names. Numerous colorful, closeup photographs call attention to the text and will attract browsers. An excellent addition to herpetology collections.?Gary Filmore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Mattison opens his large-scale study of snakes (not an encyclopedia of snakes as the title suggests) with the scientific definition of the creature and how it differs from other reptiles. He then moves on to cover their taxonomy, morphology, habitats, diet, reproduction, and protective mechanisms. Especially interesting are the discussions of the snake's relationship with humans in myth and reality. Color photographs illustrate the discussion throughout. A field day for herpetologists and snake-loving readers. To be indexed, generally and by species. Denise Perry Donavin


From Book News, Inc.
An illustrated encyclopedia covering the most popular aspects of snake biology, such as snake classification, evolution, coloration, physiology, feeding, defensive behavior, and breeding, as well as superstition and mythology regarding snakes. Fact boxes focus attention on items of special interest such as snake tracking and the effects of changing habitats. Contains some 200 color photos. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


Midwest Book Review
Any fascinated by snakes will appreciate having a collection of snake facts which pairs fine illustrations with detailed coverage of snake biology. From snake interactions with humans to reproduction processes, the excellent technical descriptions will equally appeal to lay readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This beautifully-illustrated volume covers the most popular aspects of snake biology and is the most informative and comprehensive book on the subject yet published. Chris Morrison, an authority in snake studies, reveals these fascinating reptiles in an array of images. Each chapter presents a main theme supported by text, photographs, and diagrams. Fact boxes within each chapter focus attention on items of special interest, such as scale type, snake populations in the wild, and egg incubation.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

YA-This fine resource is organized by broad themes that cover pertinent aspects of the life cycle of snakes-their biology, history, and taxonomy. Chapter topics include origin and evolution, morphology and function, feeding, defense, and reproduction. One especially interesting chapter highlights the tenuous relationship between snakes and humans. Fascinating sidebars offer tantalizing insights into research, history, and misconceptions. The book's organization encourages students to keep reading after locating specific answers to their questions. The detailed index includes both common and scientific names. Numerous colorful, closeup photographs call attention to the text and will attract browsers. An excellent addition to herpetology collections.-Gary Filmore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

BookList - Denise Perry Donavin

Mattison opens his large-scale study of snakes (not an encyclopedia of snakes as the title suggests) with the scientific definition of the creature and how it differs from other reptiles. He then moves on to cover their taxonomy, morphology, habitats, diet, reproduction, and protective mechanisms. Especially interesting are the discussions of the snake's relationship with humans in myth and reality. Color photographs illustrate the discussion throughout. A field day for herpetologists and snake-loving readers. To be indexed, generally and by species.

Booknews

An illustrated encyclopedia covering the most popular aspects of snake biology, such as snake classification, evolution, coloration, physiology, feeding, defensive behavior, and breeding, as well as superstition and mythology regarding snakes. Fact boxes focus attention on items of special interest such as snake tracking and the effects of changing habitats. Contains some 200 color photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Wildlife Activist

Among the most comprehensive books on snakes, and is full of scientific detail written in a very accessible style. . . . Anyone working with or interested in snakes will enjoy this excellent book, and it will prove to be a valuable reference work on the shelf of many naturalists and biologists as well.

Northeastern Naturalist