A herpetologist of international standing, Stevens not only provides a fascinating insight into the world of dangerous reptiles and wild animals, but also a captivating history of his own diverse and dramatic life experiences. Whether on landmine duty for the South African army in Angola or entering the Guinness Book of Records for spending 107 days and nights locked in a cage with 36 deadly snakes, Stevens' adventures are guaranteed to have readers gripped with fear, yet also laughing at the bizarre nature of it all.

»The Man and the Snake« is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, originally published in 1893. AMBROSE BIERCE [1842-1914] was an American author, journalist, and war veteran. He was one of the most influential journalists in the United States in the late 19th century and alongside his success as a horror writer he was hailed as a pioneer of realism. Among his most famous works are The Devil's Dictionary and the short story »An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.«

Generations before the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery wintered in the northern Plains, the Mandan Indians farmed along the banks of rivers. The traditional world of the Mandans comes vividly to life in this classic account by anthropologist Alfred W. Bowers. Based on years of research and conversations with Crows Heart and ten other Mandan men and women, Bowers offers an engaging and detailed reconstruction of their way of life in earlier times. Featured here are overviews of how their households function, the makeup of their clan and moiety systems and kinship network, and a valuable look at the entire Mandan life cycle, from birth and naming through adulthood, marriage, and death. Mandan Social and Ceremonial Organization also includes descriptions and analyses of Mandan ceremonies, legends, and religious beliefs, including origin myths, the Okipa Ceremony, sacred bundles, Corn ceremonies, the Eagle-Trapping Ceremony, Catfish-Trapping Ceremony, and the Adoption Pipe Ceremony. Many of these practices and beliefs remain vital and relevant for Mandans today. A comprehensive look at the legacy and traditional roots of present-day Mandan culture, Mandan Social and Ceremonial Organization is a classic ethnography of an enduring North American Native community.

The novel that launched a 25-book series, which is still growing, starts off with a Missouri farm boy traveling west with vengeance in his heart and a Navy Colt in his hand. By his side is the old mountain man, Preacher, who'll teach young Smoke Jensen everything thing he needs to know about fighting like the devil.

A rollicking history of Australia's amateur naturalists, from settlement to the present ‘A fascinating history of Australia’s wildlife and the wilder men and women who shot, studied and saved it … Compelling and entertaining.’ —David Hunt Of Marsupials and Men recounts the fascinating and often hilarious history of the men and women who dedicated their lives to understanding Australia’s native animals. To the first European colonists, Australian wildlife was bewildering. Marsupials and gum trees seemed strange and hostile; rabbits, sheep and oak trees were familiar and safe. A bustling animal trade soon developed in both directions: foxes, starlings and other reminders of ‘home’ were unleashed on the Australian landscape, while countless Australian animals found themselves in Europe as stuffed specimens or living curiosities in zoos and private collections. Into this picture stepped a remarkable band of enthusiastic amateurs who were determined to get to know the fauna of the new colony. Equal parts inspiring and outlandish, over the next 150 years they would advance scientific understanding and transform public attitudes to Australian wildlife. From the ‘snake men’ who fearlessly thrust their arms into hollow logs just to see what might happen, to the top-secret plan to smuggle a platypus to Winston Churchill at the height of World War II, these are their stories.

In 1987, Staten Island's Willowbrook State School closed its doors for good. American Snake Pit is the story of those patients who ended up in psychologist, Dan Tomasulo's care.

Snake is elegant and calm, and a little self-centered; Lizard is exuberant and irrepressible. With its wisdom, acceptance and good humor, Snake and Lizard captures the essence of friendship. The stories are beautifully illustrated by Gavin Bishop in warm and clear colors of the desert.