This book is about the fascinating and simultaneously most feared creatures that nature has produced. Throughout history, humans have regarded snakes with curiosity and fear, but also with awe and disgust. Snakes represent extreme danger and uncertainty, but also valuable nourishment. In many cultures, they symbolize particularly positive aspects: fertility, rejuvenation, as well as peace or healing. The book is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the classification and general biology of snakes. Part II provides an overview of all the important systematic groups of Serpentes. In the third and final part, the focus is on the evolution and biogeography of snakes. Harry W. Greene and photographers Michael and Patricia Fogden combine science and art to convey the beauty and fascination of these animals to the reader.