The Snake Charmer

Reviews

“Absolutely riveting. This sensitive, fascinating exploration of a scientist’s quest for knowledge deepens with relentless suspense into a classic tale of a man’s fight for survival in the wilderness.”

“Gritty and sad…chilling…both a tribute to Slowinski’s spirit and scientific accomplishments, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of an overly passionate ambition.”

“It’s wonder, not suspense, that’s at the heart of this book. The Snake Charmer is more than a tale of derring-do, discovery, and death in the jungle; it’s also a story of the grandeur of the biosphere and the lengths some people will go to understand and protect it.”

“Both a biography of a flawed but dedicated scientist seeking to understand the natural world and a dramatic adventure/travel tale, this account gives the reader a fascinating look at the incredible hardships and dangers of field expeditions to impossibly remote places.”

“Absorbing, stylishly written account…Without impeding his narrative, James frequently veers into wonderful stories of snake lore, academic rivalries, rattlesnake roundups and other pertinent herpetological matters. An exquisitely crafted book that will grab even those who have no interest in snakes.”

“A dramatic and moving story, told by an author who clearly understands that his subject is not simply about a man’s cruel and ironic death but also about his life, his spirit, and his dreams.”

“This book will astonish and delight anyone who believes that the great age of biological collecting is over.”

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