Atlas of Reptiles & Amphibians

This is, hands down, the most useful and often-used text in my collection. If you want to know about *any* genus of reptile or amphibian, it's in here somewhere, with sufficient info to at least get a handle on what that group is like. Whenever I run across a name I'm unfamiliar with in a paper, I haul this book out. That said, it's a bit old, and much of the taxonomy is outdated. However, they also have an index of common and scientific names, so you can find the old name if it's changed. Given that taxonomy changes every time someone sneezes, that's a pretty minor drawback. Also, it's *HUGE*. Were someone to break into my home, I would have little difficulty blugeoning them to death with this massive tome. It's definitely *not* pocket reading, and you might actually be hard pressed to find bookshelves that can accomodate the size and weight of it. I've had to resort to just keeping it on the floor. "The Big Red Book", as it's colloquially referred to, is absolutely essential. I've had it since I got my first snake, and my prof, who's been in herpetology for over 30 years, has a copy too. There's no other word for it but "vital".

This book is great both for serious and collectors of all ages. It's common name index allows for simple look up and every kind of reptile and amphibian is in it. There are alot of great photos to help id the animal.

Probably the most comprehensive atlas of reptiles and amphibians, widely used in pet owners' as well as serious hobbyists' circles. It is arranged alphabetically by scientific name, while the index is arranged by common names. This generously illustrated book (mostly in color) provides general information on snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, food animals as well as other terrarium related topics. A must in every herpetoculturist's library.

This is a very fine book. It includes information on thousands of different herps that proves to be useful when you work at a pet store like I do. Although the info on each species is not very indepth, it does tell you where the species are from thus allowing you to create a naturalistic terrarium.

This book is quite comprehensive in the sheer number of species of reptiles and amphibians which it covers. Although species are not covered in depth a great deal of useful information about natural history, identifcation and captive care is given. There are also many full color photographs .The book is arranged alphabetically by scientific name. An index of common names is included to aid in finding specific species. However common names differ from region to region so the book is most useful to someone who is already somewhat familiar with the scientific names of reptiles and amphibians.A great book for someone who is serious about herps and has general curiosity about reptiles and amphibians.