Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles

by Stephen P. Mackessy (Editor), Mackessy P. Mackessy

The Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles offers "one-stop shopping" to all biologists, biochemists, toxicologists, physicians, clinicians, and epidemiologists, and informed laypersons interested in the biology of venomous reptiles, the biochemistry and molecular biology of venoms, and the effects and treatment of human envenomation. This book examines the topic generally, provides an overview of the current taxonomy of these reptiles, explains the similarities and differences in the venom delivery apparatus in different groups of reptiles, reviews state-of-the-art knowledge about specific venom components and their action, and summarizes effects of envenomation and treatment in humans on different continents. Produced by leading toxinologists, biologists, biochemists, and physicians from 12 countries, the book provides a broad, international perspective that bridges divergent areas in modern biology. A synthesis of current knowledge about venoms and venomous reptiles, it contains a wealth of illustrations, including an 8-page color insert, that present a view of reptile toxinology from the whole animal to the glands producing venoms to the molecular models and the mechanisms of actions of the toxins themselves. The book provides a context for understanding the range of activities present in venoms and supplies detailed information on many enzymes and toxins found in them, bringing into focus the worldwide extent of the occurrence and complexity of human envenomations by reptiles. It explores the unique and interesting results produced by collaborations between specialists from very different fields and how they can stimulate new and continued interest in research on venoms and the animals that produce them.

552 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ferenc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a non-fiction book about snakes. And it is not an introduction to the world of snakes and snake venoms. It is an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature regarding snake venoms, focusing primarily on the newest breakthroughs in this field.
So don't even think about it as a fun-to-read book.

That being said, this book was recommended to me as one of the best and up-to-date books about snake venoms. And it most definitely is. It has tons of references you can check if you are interested in some topics.

Highly recommended for scientists working or thinking about working with venoms.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised there wasn’t a chapter on Asia. All in all very informative.