Australian Snakes: A Natural History

Rating:
Summary: snakes alive
Review: As a recent recreational licenced holder for reptiles this book gave the information in detail on every aspect regarding Australian snakes.It has a fresh, relevant approach to understanding our native reptiles. I found it very easy reading. It will be a wonderful reference guide and Im sure will be used regulary not only by myself but the whole family. It kept the interest of this household from a five year old to mid 40's, including changing the attutude of my wife who always had a fear of snakes. She read the book.The book starts with the Anatomy of snakes through to their habitat, behaviour, eating ,breeding and relationship both past and present with humans. Each page contains beautiful photographs on equal standing with any other publication.Sensational. Good enough to purchase two books. One for constant use, another to keep on the shelf. From a subject that is difficult to find much written about in this detail (Australian Snakes), this book covers most information without adding in other countries that for Australian purposes would not be of much use.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent detailed introduction to snakes of Australia
Review: Mr. Shine has written an excellent natural history of Australian snakes that will be appreciated and enjoyed by those who are knowledgeable of this aspect of Australian fauna as well as by those who experience this volume as a first introduction to this subject. In fact, it is an excellent introduction to snakes, in general, except for its omission of the viper family(i.e., rattlesnakes, copperheads, etc.) which are not found in Australia. This large, softcover volume contains beautiful photographs illustrating just about all the snake species.For those who have never been exposed to the subject, it will spark an interest which will lead to further study.

Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: This book is a must for anybody interested in Australian snakes. It covers in detail the feeding habits, sex lives, habitats and natures of all sorts of snakes. It is also full of all kinds of useful information and facts, and covers evolutionary adaptaions from a very logical and scientific view point. It contains many spectacular photographs and fascinating anecdotes which make it a very enjoyable book to read. Useful for anyone with a budding interest through to those with a full blown passion. This book is much more than just a field guide and I strongly recommend it.