The New Encyclopedia of Snakes - Hardcover

Mattison, Chris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 069113295X ISBN 13: 9780691132952

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2007

Synopsis

Comprehensive, up-to-date, and richly illustrated with some 200 color photographs, The New Encyclopedia of Snakes is the best single-volume reference on snakes. A thorough revision of the highly successful Encyclopedia of Snakes, Chris Mattison's new book is the only one of its kind to deal in detail with snakes from around the world. Addressing the natural history of snakes and their relationship with each other and with other groups of animals, the book incorporates new information on snake biology and classification and includes a complete list of every family and genus, with notes on each. Throughout, photographs show the fascinating variety of snake coloration and camouflage, and illustrate and clarify the many topics covered.

Organized thematically, the book addresses the origin and evolution of snakes; their morphology and function; how and where they live; their methods of feeding, defense, and reproduction; their taxonomy and classification; and their interaction with humans. The New Encyclopedia of Snakes is the ideal reference for anyone interested in snakes--whether they come across them in the wild, go looking for them, keep them captive, or are simply fascinated by them

• A comprehensive, up-to-date, and richly illustrated reference
• Text enhanced by some 200 color photographs of snakes from all over the world
• Easy-to-read fact boxes about topics of special interest

About this title

About the Author

Chris Mattison is an internationally recognized herpetologist and photographer based in the United Kingdom. His many books include Snake, Snakes of the World, and Keeping and Breeding Snakes.

Reviews

This updated reference on snakes from around the world will appeal to the student and the lay reader. The book is arranged thematically and covers such topics as “The Origin and Evolution of Snakes,” “Morphology and Function,” “Feeding,” “Taxonomy,” and more. Of special interest is a chapter on the interactions of snakes and humans throughout history. The detailed text provides a wealth of information.  There are significant changes in this revised edition. First, advances in DNA technology have led to changes in snake biology and classification, including a number of new families being added to the taxonomy. Other revisions include a change in focus in the field from concerns about the loss of habitat to the implications of global climate change. The author is from the United Kingdom, and this is apparent at times (for example, in the chapter title “Defence”). Photographs, more than 200 in all, appear on every page spread and will appeal to the casual reader. Maps and charts are scattered throughout the book, and sidebars are used to highlight topics of special interest. The volume concludes with a bibliography, which includes print and Web resources, as well as a thorough index, which provides access via common names as well as scientific names. This title would be a valuable addition for high-school and public libraries, especially those owning the earlier edition. --Maren Ostergard

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 069113295X
• ISBN 13: 9780691132952
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272