Shy, gorgeous and misunderstood, adders are magnificent and fascinating creatures which are nearing extinction for many reasons. This beautiful book is sadly necessary as many adders are killed illegally by people as well as by climate changes, dogs, game birds and destruction of habitat. As a fellow reptile lover, it is incomprehensible to imagine a world without them. But that is what could happen in 15-20 years if drastic changes aren't made immediately. Hopefully associations such as "Adders Are Amazing" and "Back from the Brink" will bring awareness to far more people. The focus of this book is the adder in Great Britain, the only venomous snake there.

Author Nicholas Milton describes his foray into adder observing with his mentor Ian Presst. He outlines the history of adders (aka viper, asp) from ancient times (Bible) to Cleopatra's suicide to Shakespeare to Thomas Hardy and includes legends and real snake catching. He describes the first pocket guide to reptiles, the anatomy of the adder including somatic hearing, habitat, temperature regulation, appearance, life expectancy, ecdysis (shedding skin), breeding, birthing, hibernation and their hibernacula and digestion. Symptoms of adder bite poisoning are discussed but it is important to remember that nearly all bites are defensive and death is extremely rare. Bites are more common in dogs which are allowed to run off leash than in people. Threats also include photographers and alarmist media which focus on maligning adders.

Reading this book reminded me of the snakes I have observed in Europe, especially Croatia, where the elusive Vipera ursinii macrops is found. My first such experience was unforgettable, one of the greatest experiences in nature in my life.

If you are at all interested in reptiles or learning more about them, this book is an absolute must. The photographs are incredible and there is plenty of information here for the beginner, novice and expert.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stupendous book about a topic near to my heart.

Mr. Milton has produced a visually appealing clarion call to try and educate Great Britain and the world about the danger to the only venomous species of snake in Great Britain as well as it being the most widely dispersed snake in the world climatologically. Adders are present on every continent and are fascinating creatures. Well worth the time and the photography is excellent.