Customer Reviews

Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept

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I first read this book when I was quite young, in Junior High school I believe. I am now 42 years old. I read it again in my twenties. It has been awhile since I read it but I still remember its magic. This book has two identities. It is of course about snakes and their captive environment. Though outdated it is still full of interesting tid-bits about snake care and behavior. The second identity of this book is more like a novel, especially to a youngster interested in snakes. Each chapter is full of adventure and the experiences of the author. It is well written in that you almost feel like you are in his boots when he catches and cares for his reptiles. Each page excites you to read the next. This is a fun book for anyone who enjoys snakes and snake hunting. I also highly recommend it for helping to teach a youngster the joy of reading due to its well-written novel type style and its interesting topic. It is also a wonderful book for any adult who wants to reminisce about a carefree youth or revisit childhood interests. I will always keep a copy of this gem in on my bookshelf. It's about time I read it again.

I thought this book was out of print and have been hording it jealously. I bought it orginally as a reference to help me as a novice snake owner, but I found the information facinating and gained a knowledge and love for snakes that I would never have expected. I will be thrilled to tell my friend whose kids just bought a snake that this treasure is available.

In my own extensive, lifetime herpetological library, this book rates as my favorite, and one of the best general works on reptile husbandry available anywhere. It is THE perfect snake book for the young herpetologist or adult collector new to the hobby. I used to run into Carl every so often while snakehunting in the Carolinas in my youth, and he was as wonderful a person as he was a top curator. His writings about snakehunting in "the old days" is as fascinating for the casual reader as for the experienced herp. This book was probably his best work, and years ago I paid nearly twice this price in an auction for an original copy.

This book is a must for anyone who wishes to explore the world of herpetology. Unlike many fly-by-night authors, Kauffeld's books have influenced and educated several generations of naturalists. His books set the pace for all who came after him. Part how-to book part adventure book, "Snakes" brings to the reader more than just dry information. Whether it's hunting the eastern diamondback in South Carolina or searching for the elusive trans-pecos rat snake in Texas, Kauffeld takes you there.

This is as much a lyrical story telling about the process and art of herpetoculture and herpetology as it is an informative book. The book details the experinces of the author in certain endevours (searching for a tiger rattlesnake, his first non-local snake etc.) in an entertaining readable manner. It's almost like a more intellectual, pre TV version of some of the Animal Planet reptile shows--that's the best analogy I can come up with. It's really more entertainment than information, although some info is provided (although the captive care information is out of date).
This book has a very select audience; non-herpers won't likely enjoy it and shouldn't bother. For those of us who are, well, it's a great read. We'll recognize ourselves in it (at least I did) in parts. The literate writing, the intelligent allusions and comments, all made for a very interesting and captivating first hand account of what are now the good old days of herpetoculture. If you are a serious herper, you owe it to yourself to read this book.