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.
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