SNAKES IN QUESTION 1E PB [Paperback]

ZUG GEORGE R (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 1996

How do snakes crawl and climb? What do they eat? How do they breathe, hear, and smell? What is the largest snake? Authoritative and accessible, this book answers the most frequently asked questions about snakes and provides a basic introduction for both adults and children to the habits and marvels of these limbless creatures. Nearly 160 illustrations, 55 in color.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is a wonderful book. Carl Ernst and George Zug are eminent herpetologists who have produced a well-written book on an extremely popular subject. Divided into five large chapters and five appendixes, the book is set up in a question-and-answer format. Depending on the question (What is a snake? Do snakes get sick? How do fangs work?), the answers range from one or two paragraphs to multiple pages and are illustrated with photographs or line drawings. Two of the sections will be eagerly used by librarians answering questions--that on giant snakes (boas and pythons) and that on poisonous snakes (vipers and cobras). The appendixes offer further information on the classification and sizes of snakes and provide a useful directory of herpetological organizations. A glossary defines some of the more technical terminology. Finally, two bibliographies provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on snakes. This exceptional book should be in every library. Nancy Bent --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“This is a wonderful book. Carl Ernst and George Zug are eminent herpetologists who have produced a well-written book on an extremely popular subject . . . . Two of the sections will be eagerly used by librarians answering questions—that on giant snakes (boas and pythons) and that on poisonous snakes (vipers and cobras). The appendixes offer further information on the classification and sizes of snakes and provide a useful directory of herpetological organizations. A glossary defines some of the more technical terminology. Finally, two bibliographies provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on snakes. This exceptional book should be in every library.”—Booklist --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian (November 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560986492
• ISBN-13: 978-1560986492
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,603,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for those starting out, but nothing new to the pro's, December 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Snakes: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual (Paperback)

This book tells about acquiring a snake, caring for a snake, and some simple instructions for breeding snakes. The snakes in this book are mostly ratsnakes, garters&ribbons, and pythons. Perfect for those starting out, but no detail for any particular species. Still, it is a great book, especially for those who are inexperienced with the common diseases, mites, etc...

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars too general, but good for absolute newbies, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Snakes: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual (Paperback)

For someone who knows next to nothing about how to care for snakes, this is an OK book, as it covers most common beginner species. However, if you have an experince, you've heard it all before, and shouldn't spend your money (put it towards a snake instead).

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding with question answer format, July 28, 2010

By 

richard - See all my reviews

This review is from: Snakes in Question: The Smithsonian Answer Book, Second Edition (Paperback)

I have always been fascinated by snakes, all my life I have learned all I could about snakes and I own several snake books, but this one tops them all! Just about anything you want to know about a snake will be answered in this great book. I really enjoy reading it. I am planning to become a snake expert soon and this book has really taught me a lot. It is a must have for anyone studying biology, zoology, or planning to become a herpatologist! The first section gives all the facts, it tells about how snakes evolved from lizards, how they hear see & smell, and how the snake body works. The second section, tells about the myths and tells the real truth. The third section tells about giant and the most dangerous snakes. The fourth is about snake bites, and the last section tells about snakes and humans. This book is incredible, and a must have for beginning snake enthusiast!