Important changes in classifying and naming snakes, the addition of new species, advances in behavioral biology, new concerns about habitat loss, and the state of the art as influenced by the Internet, have all prompted Mattison (independent scholar, UK) to revise his 1995 The Encyclopedia of Snakes. As a promoter of herpetology, especially snakes, the author provides this nicely written and beautifully illustrated update, suitable for readers ranging from the beginning naturalist to the focused professional. Worldwide in scope, this well-referenced volume incorporates an evolutionary theme to discuss in some depth the entire range of knowledge about snakes. Readers will learn how to enjoy the hobby of keeping pet snakes (but not at the expense of natural populations); why at least one dark-headed snake has a survival advantage; how the blue color of the sky and the green color of some snakes have something in common; the danger of a snake with fangs in the rear of its mouth; how a mildly venomous snake has taken over a Pacific island; and much more. In summary, this book will make a fine addition to natural history libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. D. M. McKinstry emeritus, Pennsylvania State Erie, Behrend College

This updated reference on snakes from around the world will appeal to the student and the lay reader. The book is arranged thematically and covers such topics as  The Origin and Evolution of Snakes, Morphology and Function,   Feeding,   Taxonomy,  and more. Of special interest is a chapter on the interactions of snakes and humans throughout history. The detailed text provides a wealth of information.  There are significant changes in this revised edition. First, advances in DNA technology have led to changes in snake biology and classification, including a number of new families being added to the taxonomy. Other revisions include a change in focus in the field from concerns about the loss of habitat to the implications of global climate change. The author is from the United Kingdom, and this is apparent at times (for example, in the chapter title Defence ). Photographs, more than 200 in all, appear on every page spread and will appeal to the casual reader. Maps and charts are scattered throughout the book, and sidebars are used to highlight topics of special interest. The volume concludes with a bibliography, which includes print and Web resources, as well as a thorough index, which provides access via common names as well as scientific names. This title would be a valuable addition for high-school and public libraries, especially those owning the earlier edition.--Ostergard, Maren Copyright 2008 Booklist

A single decade can bring about many changes, even in the world of herpetology. This revised and updated edition of The Encyclopedia of Snakes (Checkmark, 1995) delivers three new snake families and 400 new species and discusses the effects of desertification and rising sea levels on snake populations. Still the most comprehensive of Mattison's herpetology texts (e.g., Snakes of the World), this edition covers all aspects of snake biology and habitat. This is not a field guide aimed at snake identification; indeed, snake classification entries span only one chapter. But the work contains a wealth of information about our scaled friends, including patterns of distribution and matters relating to evolution and morphology, feeding, reproduction, and defensive strategies. A special chapter deals with snake and human interaction, addressing everything from rattlesnake roundups to snakeskin products. Sidebars highlighting topics like snakebite treatments and radio tracking methods augment the volume. BOTTOM LINE Full of some 200 marvelous color photographs, this captivating work will appeal to students and snake lovers everywhere. Scholarly enough to serve as a core resource for herpetologists but also readable, it deserves a wide audience. Highly recommended for school, public, and academic libraries as a one-stop guide to a wealth of snake information.-Kelli Perkins, Herrick Dist. Lib., Holland, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.