America's Snake

"I'm not sure I would have believed in advance that someone could write 500 fascinating pages about a single species of rattlesnake, but Ted Levin has done just that. America'sSnake is so engaging the reading borders on effortless; the writing is masterful, inspiring non-stop interest and confidence in Levin's scholarship. The book will be of interest to herpetologists and conservationists, as well as to everyone concerned with how we can live with dangerous animals."
--Harry Greene, author of Snakes
"The marriage of a great writer and a great subject is always a joy to behold. And few subjects could be more iconic, or more fascinating, than Crotalus Horridus, whose very name tells you that there's a deep story to be told here."
--Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home
"America's Snake explains the history and decline of one of the more besieged species of rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake. . . . Levin provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of rattlesnake biology, as well as setting out the current threats to the species' persistence. . . . His portrayals of scientists, reptile breeders, and nature enthusiasts are particularly refreshing."-- "Times Literary Supplement"
"The compelling story of a much-maligned critter. . . . Levin's adventures with herpetologists and dedicated amateur reptile enthusiasts will enlighten and entertain; the not-so-careful work of poachers and bounty hunters will disgust. The author's wry humor peppers the text. . . . Sensitive to the singular beauty of the snakes, Levin is also exquisitely attuned to the larger rhythms of nature, as alive to what's singing in the trees as what's slithering in the leaves underfoot. This book resonates with wit, love, and wonder--a feat, considering the vexed reputation of its subject. Readers, perhaps even ophidiophobic ones, will come away with a fresh appreciation for a creature with 'the toxic bite and admonishing tail.'"
-- "Library Journal, starred review"