Venomous Snakes of the World [Hardcover]

Mark O'Shea (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0691124361 | ISBN-13: 978-0691124360 | Publication Date: September 12, 2005

Feared, revered, and often misunderstood, venomous snakes have been a source of legend and nightmare since time immemorial. In this comprehensive volume, author Mark O'Shea has combined expertly written, in-depth descriptions of the world's common and exotic venomous snakes, highlighted by previously unpublished gripping accounts of his adventures with snakes, including personal observations and several serious snakebite episodes.

The book begins with a description of the anatomies of venomous snakes, along with their diversity and distribution. Also included is a unique in-depth look at the various types of snake venom and the ways that each type attacks the body. A section on anti-venom, including thoughts on the looming anti-venom crisis, is also presented. Information on the adaptations of ocean-dwelling snakes and issues of snake conservation as well as an examination of venomous lizards follow.

From bamboo pitvipers to deep-diving seasnakes, and from adders and asps to terciopelos and the massasaugas, this book takes an original approach to examining these enthralling creatures. Rather than the typical taxonomic categorization, the snakes are grouped by geographic location: the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, Tropical Asia, Australasia, and the Oceans. Each section is illustrated with stunning and rare pictures, many of which were taken by the author himself.

Suitable for professional snake handlers and armchair herpetologists alike, this extremely accessible book is an enthusiastic celebration of the diversity and beauty of venomous snakes worldwide.

• Explores the secret world of venomous snakes, revealing their habitats, characteristics, and hunting and feeding behaviors
• Contains thrilling details of O'Shea's own encounters with snakes
• Provides detailed information on venomous snake diversity, venom types, and conservation
• Includes a world map illustrating venomous snake distribution and detailed accounts of more than 170 species
• Features over 150 full-color photographs, many of them of extremely rare species

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a large book with more than 150 quality full-color photographs, some of which may frighten the serpent-phobic. -- Alvin Hutchinson, Library Journal

Poisonous snakes have been part of human legends - and nightmares - since the beginning of time. O'Shea, a reptile expert and television host, brings to life the world of serpents from around the world [with] hundreds of stunning, often rare, photographs. -- The Globe & Mail

[D]azzling, a photographic journey among the scaly and the lethal. -- Anneli Rufus, East Bay Express

About the Author

Mark O'Shea is the Curator of Reptiles at West Midland Safari Park. He has participated in more than 60 expeditions, fieldwork, and filming trips to every continent except Antarctica. His publications include the definitive "A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea; Nature Watch: Lizards;" and "Reptiles and Amphibians", coauthored with Professor Tim Halliday of Oxford University. O'Shea has written more than 100 articles and papers on herpetological subjects. His website can be found at www.markoshea.tv. O'Shea has presented 36 herpetological adventure films for Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and the UK's Channel 4. He is a Fellow of the Explorers' Club of New York and the Royal Geographical Society; a Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London; and President of the International Herpetological Society. In 2000, O'Shea received the Millennium Award for Services to Zoology from the British Chapter of the Explorers' Club of New York. O'Shea holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Sciences from the University of Wolverhampton for his contributions to herpetology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (September 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691124361
• ISBN-13: 978-0691124360
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book, November 1, 2005

By 

Abhishek Prasad (Las Cruces, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Venomous Snakes of the World (Hardcover)

Overall, this is a pretty good book. The photographs are what make it great. The text is informative, though not very techincal, so if you are looking for a more in-depth book, this may not be what you are looking for. However, for the price it is well worth it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice pictures, but..., November 5, 2006

By 

Brad Wendt "blue beetle" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Venomous Snakes of the World (Hardcover)

This book has some really good photos, but is more of a travelogue than a good source of information on venomous snakes. A fun read with pretty pictures. Look elsewhere for in-depth information.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb variety of pictures, informative, August 2, 2011

By 

thotfulbuyer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Venomous Snakes of the World (Paperback)

Pictures are superb albeit on the small side but insightful information with some very interesting facts that have thus far been largely either unknown or unclear. Very happy with the 2011 updated info with this edition. Actually bought it for my 4+ year-old who's fascinated by snakes and we both enjoy the book. If you love learning about snakes and are fascinated by these amazing creatures, I urge you to buy the book. Worth the money !