Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes [Paperback]

Chris Mattison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998

Provides a natural history of rattle snakes.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Chris Mattison has written a number of good books on reptiles and amphibians, to which list can be added this excellent introduction to the 30 species of rattlesnakes. Starting with a chapter of basic information on the snakes themselves, which answers such basic questions as how the rattle is formed and how the snakes inject their venoms, the text moves on to cover the general distribution and habitats of rattlesnakes, their origins and evolution, and their interactions with humans. The last chapter covers each rattlesnake species, with capsule descriptions, range maps, habitat, and information on venom. What makes this book a valuable acquisition are the terrific color photographs of the snakes, particularly those in the species descriptions. Mattison writes clearly and with obvious fondness for his subjects. Given the public's fascination with poisonous snakes in general, and rattlesnakes in particular, this book is a valuable addition to any library's collection. Nancy Bent --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713727314
• ISBN-13: 978-0713727319
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,661,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for complete species reference., November 21, 1998

By 

William Wise ([e-mail]) (Athens, Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes (Paperback)

Mattison does a great job of providing an overview of the natural history of the rattlesnake genera. Besides natural history information, the book has photos and descriptions of ALL KNOWN species (and most sub-species). I grab this book off my shelf first when looking up details on a particular rattlesnake species. Most field guides contain only the "major" rattlesnake species. This book is a great quick reference on all species. It is very well organized.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best photography of rattlesnakes yet., January 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes (Hardcover)

If you don't read a single word in this book it's worth the price for the photos alone. The section on all the various rattlesnake species in the back of the book is also outstanding and only adds to the overall excellence of this publication. Well done Mr. Mattison.

4.0 out of 5 stars A much needed guide to the misunderstood snake, November 27, 2007

By 

Cecil Bothwell "Author of "Whale Falls: A... (Asheville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes (Paperback)

A splendid book about one of our most feared and least understood creatures, combining a highly readable text with excellent photography. This is an account that should be read by the folks who are least likely to read it, those who entertain a visceral fear of snakes. I suspect they would be both fascinated and put at ease. To begin with the big question: bites? Your chances of being bitten by a rattlesnake are vanishingly small. They are highest for men in their 20s, working outdoors in North Carolina, and even then, fatal bites are rarer than being struck by lightning. They are non-existent in Alaska, Delaware and Maine where there are no rattlesnakes. (They are most common among those who hunt, hassle or engage in heroics with snakes, again, men in their 20s.) They arrived in North America as we did, across the Bering land bridge, and although their relatives the vipers evolved in Asia, the rattler is exclusive to the Americas. Their body form (small head, massive muscular body) is typical of snakes that sit and wait for prey instead of actively seeking it. They can strike quickly, they DO NOT chase anything, including people. Altogether, a fascinating account by a world-reknowned authority on reptiles and their kin.