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Our fear of snakes is encoded in our DNA as a defense mechanism, yet snakes are wondrous creatures deserving of our respect and, as we lay waste to the biosphere, our protection. Science writer Hall taps into our loathing and fascination for serpents in this vibrant magnum opus, tracing the snake’s roles in myths and religions, the arts, and healing practices, and the progression of hard-won and exciting scientific discoveries. A longtime snake admirer and writer with a gift for exhilarating descriptions and drama, Hall portrays snake fanatics and tells many a thrilling snake tale. He begins with venomous snakes, from the age-old quest for snake-bite antidotes to how studying venom has advanced cardiac medicine, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary biology. He notes the gradual shift from the domination of “snake guys” in the field to the arrival of “snake gals” who ask different questions and take fresh approaches. The closer the scrutiny, the more snake marvels are revealed, such as the fact that snakes are distinct individuals who care for their young and that they possess “a kind of metabolic and biochemical wizardry” and sensory organs of “exquisite sensitivity.” From elucidations of how snakes eat, mate, and move to the exploits of the “Python-Hunting Queen of South Florida,” Hall keeps readers enthralled.

Publishers Weekly
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In this excellent study, science journalist Hall (Wisdom) surveys the distinctive biology and behavior of snakes. He describes, for instance, how the sidewinder achieves lateral locomotion by using its head as an anchor while pushing its body to the side, and how female snakes across species can prevent unwanted insemination by closing their oviducts or increasing the acidity of their genitals, destroying sperm. Serpents have more complex social lives than commonly appreciated, Hall posits, noting that some rattlesnake mothers care for their young after birth, prefer hanging out with certain fellow females over others, and entrust such “friends” to babysit their brood. Examining what humans stand to learn from the reptiles, Hall details how scientists hope to develop new diabetes treatments for humans by studying how pythons cope with the insulin shock of consuming prey 1.6 times their body mass “in one gulp.” The surprising science will change how readers view snakes, and sections tracing how cultures throughout history have viewed the creatures shed light on how they became so maligned. For example, Hall suggests snakes became Christian symbols of evil in part because of the religion’s efforts to vilify followers of the Greek god Asklepios, who was said to have learned his healing techniques from snakes. The result is a revelatory take on the much feared reptiles. (Apr.)

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A look at all things serpentine, from the Garden of Eden to robotics research into sidewinder locomotion. Hall’s interest in snakes began in suburban Michigan, where he caught a ribbon snake and brought it home, the first in a collection. His fascination with snakes echoes a mixture of “awe and fear” that runs through centuries of art, religion, and the broader culture. Snakes in many ways “break the rules of biology” in their adaptations to a wide range of environments, beginning more than 80 million years ago. The book explores scientific studies of a variety of snakes—rattlesnakes, pythons, black mambas—with portraits of the herpetologists and amateur “snake guys” following them. A surprising number of people keep snakes, even poisonous ones, as pets. Among the subjects covered are venom, locomotion, and the snakes’ sensory apparatus—a refined sense of smell and the ability to detect infrared light. A point made several times is that snakes have definite personalities and are far more intelligent than we give them credit for. The author makes frequent use of his own experience, from traveling the Everglades with a python-hunting team to his attempts to pick up a rattlesnake with tongs. Along the way we learn that climate change and degradation of habitat have reduced the population of snakes in most developed countries—although the spread of Burmese pythons in Florida shows how readily snakes can adapt to new conditions. Readers are likely to come away from this book with a healthy respect for our scaly neighbors, as well as for those who study them. An eye-opening look at the world of snakes by an eloquent admirer of the creatures. Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.