Boss Snakes: Stories and Sightings of Giant Snakes in North America offers a comprehensive collection of tales involving an often overlooked folkloric creature. While recognizing that hoaxes and misidentifications exist, there are stories that might just point to larger-than-expected serpents. Includes a brief guide to our larger native species (and new invasive species) and a state-by-state listing of hundreds of historical and contemporary stories.

One of the few unquestioned greats of twentieth-century science, Linus Pauling was the only person to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes-one in chemistry, for deciphering the quantum physics of large molecules, and one in peace, for helping to end nuclear bomb testing. His brilliance was allied with a certain stubbornness, and when he died in 1994, at the age of 93, he was embroiled in controversy regarding his advocacy of vitamin C as a treatment for cancer. Based on thirty years of interviews, this masterful biography is filled with insights into the life and work of this complex, fascinating man.

Treats primarily with the anaconda (Eunectes murinus); the Indian (Python molurus); Reticulated (Python reticulata); and African (Python sebae) pythons.

A look at various giant snakes.

Snakes, particularly exceptionally large constricting snakes, have haunted the human brain for a millennium. They appear to be responsible for our excellent vision and are providing insight into diabetes. Fascination with snakes has also drawn many to keep them as pets. This book explores what we know about the largest snakes.

Snakes, particularly venomous snakes and exceptionally large constricting snakes, have haunted the human brain for a millennium. They appear to be responsible for our excellent vision, as well as the anxiety we feel. Despite the dangers we faced in prehistory, snakes now hold clues to solving some of humankind's most debilitating diseases. Pythons and boas are capable of eating prey that is equal to more than their body weight, and their adaptations for this are providing insight into diabetes. Fascination with snakes has also drawn many to keep them as pets, including the largest species. Their popularity in the pet trade has led to these large constrictors inhabiting southern Florida. This book explores what we know about the largest snakes, how they are kept in captivity, and how they have managed to traverse ocean barriers with our help.

A brief description of the physical characteristics and habits of a variety of reptiles throughout the world.