Snakes of South Africa - Vivian F. M. FitzSimons
Here is a book for which all animal lovers have been waiting. Everybody is interested in snakes; some regard them with fear and horror, others with respect and some even with affection. But to everyone there is a fascination in seeing a live snake writhing its way through the grass or slithering across a road.
Dr. FitzSimons has given us a detailed and comprehensive account of the snakes of Africa. In the introduction to his book he deals with general themes such as the origin, anatomy, feeding habits, venoms, courtship and reproduction of snakes; he also includes notes of longevity, folklore, superstition, etc.
This is followed by a systematic description of each of the 138 forms (species and subspecies) mentioned in the book, including keys to their identification. The concluding chapters contain a gazetteer listing close on 1700 localties, a detailed bibliography of over 750 items, an index and a map showing the main features of the area dealt with. Special mention should be made of the distribution maps, which for the first time give a graphic picture of the exact distribution of these creatures in Southern Africa.
A special feature of the book is the large number of illustrations. No less than 260 line-drawings (by the author) give details of the head-scaling of practically every species. In addition there are 43 half-tone plates, 77 distribution maps and, last but not least, 76 outstanding colour plates by that eminent animal artist, the late Rev. P. Smit.
Purnell and Sons 1962
Condition: Extremely Good, some discolouration and wear on spine.
MB (Animals)
Here is a book for which all animal lovers have been waiting. Everybody is interested in snakes; some regard them with fear and horror, others with respect and some even with affection. But to everyone there is a fascination in seeing a live snake writhing its way through the grass or slithering across a road.
Dr. FitzSimons has given us a detailed and comprehensive account of the snakes of Africa. In the introduction to his book he deals with general themes such as the origin, anatomy, feeding habits, venoms, courtship and reproduction of snakes; he also includes notes of longevity, folklore, superstition, etc.
This is followed by a systematic description of each of the 138 forms (species and subspecies) mentioned in the book, including keys to their identification. The concluding chapters contain a gazetteer listing close on 1700 localties, a detailed bibliography of over 750 items, an index and a map showing the main features of the area dealt with. Special mention should be made of the distribution maps, which for the first time give a graphic picture of the exact distribution of these creatures in Southern Africa.
A special feature of the book is the large number of illustrations. No less than 260 line-drawings (by the author) give details of the head-scaling of practically every species. In addition there are 43 half-tone plates, 77 distribution maps and, last but not least, 76 outstanding colour plates by that eminent animal artist, the late Rev. P. Smit.
Purnell and Sons 1962
Condition: Extremely Good, some discolouration and wear on spine.
MB (Animals)
Here is a book for which all animal lovers have been waiting. Everybody is interested in snakes; some regard them with fear and horror, others with respect and some even with affection. But to everyone there is a fascination in seeing a live snake writhing its way through the grass or slithering across a road.
Dr. FitzSimons has given us a detailed and comprehensive account of the snakes of Africa. In the introduction to his book he deals with general themes such as the origin, anatomy, feeding habits, venoms, courtship and reproduction of snakes; he also includes notes of longevity, folklore, superstition, etc.
This is followed by a systematic description of each of the 138 forms (species and subspecies) mentioned in the book, including keys to their identification. The concluding chapters contain a gazetteer listing close on 1700 localties, a detailed bibliography of over 750 items, an index and a map showing the main features of the area dealt with. Special mention should be made of the distribution maps, which for the first time give a graphic picture of the exact distribution of these creatures in Southern Africa.
A special feature of the book is the large number of illustrations. No less than 260 line-drawings (by the author) give details of the head-scaling of practically every species. In addition there are 43 half-tone plates, 77 distribution maps and, last but not least, 76 outstanding colour plates by that eminent animal artist, the late Rev. P. Smit.
Purnell and Sons 1962
Condition: Extremely Good, some discolouration and wear on spine.
MB (Animals)