Rattlesnake - Portrait of a Predator (Hardcover)

by Manny Rubio (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
YA-In this remarkable study, Rubio provides detailed information on almost everything anyone would want to know about rattlesnakes-their origins, habitats, physiology, and anatomy. But he doesn't stop there. He also examines our different relationships with them, from commercial exploitation to their place in lore and religion. Appendixes list the scientific, English, and Spanish names of the snakes and include a detailed glossary of terms relevant to their study. The real draw of Rattlesnake, however, is the more than 250 full-color photographs that capture both the beauty and the power of these reptiles. Whether it is a picture of a diamondback posed to strike or of snake-handling religious sects, the illustrations are not for the squeamish. This book will hold the attention of both recreational readers and budding herpetologists.
Robert Burnham, R. E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
No one is neutral on the subject of rattlesnakes--people either loathe them or find them fascinating. It is also impossible to be neutral about this marvelous new book on rattlesnakes, the only poisonous snakes with the buzzing warning. Lawrence Klauber's monumental Rattlesnakes (1956) is the standard scholarly work on the subject, but Rubio's new semipopular work is a worthy successor, beautifully illustrated with the author's color photographs (which Klauber lacked). Fourteen chapters cover the basics of anatomy, senses, reproduction, fangs, and poison, as well as more esoteric subjects, such as rattlesnake roundups and religious snake-handling, with equal thoroughness and depth. Rubio's captivation with his subject comes through in his writing, but he is able to present the accounts of snake-handling and roundups with dispassion, allowing readers to form their own opinions on these controversial practices. Three excellent appendixes list scientific and common names (in English and Spanish) of all species of rattlesnakes and addresses of North American herpetological societies, and a glossary defines biological terms relevant to rattlesnakes. A lengthy bibliography completes an extremely valuable book, which is highly recommended for all libraries. Nancy Bent

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 239 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Press (August 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560988088
• ISBN-13: 978-1560988083
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #571,241 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful look at a fascinating subject., November 16, 2002

By	Roger J. Buffington (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I have always been fascinated by rattlesnakes, ever since living in the heart of California's rattlesnake country as a young lad. This book covers the subject in loving and fascinating detail, with loads of superb photographs which splendidly support the excellent text. These are magnificent and beneficial animals and the author does a superb job of writing about them.

My only criticism of the book is that it spends a lot of time dealing with human activities as regards rattlesnakes, such as the notorious "rattlesnake roundups," which the author rightly explains to be unconscionable predations by man against innocent and essential creatures. I would have rather seen even more space devoted to a pure scientific study of rattlers. But this is a minor quibble, and many will doubtless disagree with me because these sections are very well done and interesting.

The book's scientific discussion of rattlesnakes is very interesting. These are amazing creatures and the author plainly is highly motivated by the subject. This book is a labor of love in which the reader will delight to share.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in rattlers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent photography and information, imprtant contribution, January 2, 1999

By A Customer

I received a copy of this excellent book as a gift this past Christmas. Finally I was able to put it down and I wanted to support this book.The Photography is unbeleivable and the information is presented clearly and without the stuffy know it all attitude of many other authors. I get the sense he wants the reader to understand and appreciate the material without making it too complex. This is an excellent choice for beginning herpetologists. I have been to several of the locations mentioned in the text and the book reminded me of my own experiances with these magnificant animals. I would highly recommend this book to all those intersted in rattlesnakes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars killer photography and incredibly well written, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This book contains some of the most fantastic photography ever done of rattlesnakes, as well as a thoroughly-researched text which makes the latest scientific information available to everyone with an interest in snakes. Very entertaining and readable.