Product Description

Illustrated with more than 250 dramatic color photos, "Rattlesnake" traces the evolution and behavior of the 83 living species of rattlesnakes. Rubio emphasizes rattlesnakes' reticence and their importance in controlling small rodent populations and calls for more widespread efforts to preserve them.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #870119 in Books
• Published on: 1998-08-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 239 pages

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

From Kirkus Reviews
Rubio, a photographer, provides some 250 color photographs of North American rattlesnakes, as well as a useful, succinct summary of what's known about rattlesnake evolution, anatomy, and behavior. The photographs of the snakes in their natural terrains stress the perfection of their camouflagemany can coil perfectly into their surroundings. The shots also capture the extraordinary beauty and grace of these lethal (though generally shy) creatures. Several chapters are devoted to the impact rattlesnakes have had on American art (especially the artand religionof some southwestern Indian tribes) and the American imagination (there is a chapter on churches that practice the handling of rattlesnakes as part of an ecstatic communion with God). While it's unlikely that Rubio's work will much change the attitude of those who view the rattlesnake as a candidate for extermination, it may sway those still undecided into a more balanced, and even appreciative, view of an ancient, resourceful, and often quite beautiful species. A particularly handsome work of natural history. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

A wonderful look at a fascinating subject.
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.

Excellent photography and information, imprtant contribution
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.

killer photography and incredibly well written
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.