Herp Library!

Way back when I used to have tons of books (mostly fiction and sci-fi) and maintained my own personal "library." Had to get rid of most of them when I moved, but now that I have the space again to start keeping a moderate amount of books I've been thinking I want to start collecting books on herps that have reliable information. Namely information that isn't outdated or plain misinformation (took a gander at the local library and it's absolutely ridden with those "How To" care books that tell you things like balls can be kept in a 10 gal with a heat lamp on one side for the duration of it's life :mad: )

I'm looking for titles on everything herp related, not just ball pythons. I've already got Pythons of the World by the Barkers and Rhacodactylus by Philippe de Vosjoli, Frank Fast, and Allen Repashy on my list. If you guys have suggestions they would be greatly appreciated!

Here's what's on my amazon wish list :D

Snakebit : Confessions of a herpetologist

Complete Ball Python, A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding, and Genetic Mutations (by Kevin McCurley)

And The Tarantula Keeper's Guide

I'll wait with that Kevin book... He is working on Second Edition :rolleyes:

But all books from Complete Series are worth every penny !!!

I've really started to build up my library as of late and there is so much out there that you just have to focus on what you like. For instance, there are "how to/care" type books, non-fiction accounts from herptologists, gossip/drama type herp books, and even old timer snake hunting books. So it really just depends on which direction you want to go. I like them all with the "how to/care" type books being my least favorite. Now there are exceptions to the rule, for example the Barker book that you mentioned is excellent. My only complaint with it is that it's physically large!

A few of my favorites:
"You belong in a Zoo"
"Lizard King"
"Stolen World"
"The Keeper and the Kept"
"Tales of Giant Snakes"
"The Complete Series" Boas, Chondros, BP's, and now a new Carpet book.
"Cobras in his garden" (Bill Haast biography)
"Gone Snake Hunting"
"The Snake Charmer" - sad :(
"Keeping and Breeding Australian pythons"
"Pythons of Australia"
"Snakebite survivors club"
"Snakebit" (mentioned above)
"Big Snake" - funny!

If anyone reading this has a copy of "Pythons of the World - Vol 1" for sale, please PM me!

I'm actually a real librarian, but currently my "personal library" is rather weak... I'll see if I can think of any books to add, although the other posts covered it pretty well! Here are a few that come to mind, including a couple of oldies but goodies & a children's book.

Corn Snakes by Kathy Love (if you're into corns): http://www.amazon.com/Corn-Snakes-Co...1938163&sr=8-1

Living Snakes of the World by John M. Mehrtens: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Snakes-...1938290&sr=1-1

New Encyclopedia of Snakes by Chris Mattison: http://www.amazon.com/New-Encycloped...1938290&sr=1-2

The Great Big Books of Snakes and Reptiles by Taylor & O'Shea: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Big-Book...1938403&sr=1-1

Verdi by Janell Cannon: http://www.amazon.com/Verdi-Janell-C...1938419&sr=1-1 (sweetest book ever)

Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept and Snakes and Snake Hunting, both by Carl Kauffeld, absolutely classic reads. A must-have for any herp library, as they herald back to the early days of captive herpetoculture.

Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature, by Harry W. Greene. Well written, interesting read on what snakes are and how they work, and how they're woven into human culture. Great pics & although the text can be somewhat technical, it moves along at a steady clip.

Thank you guys! Definitely going to keep my eyes peeled for those titles. I just love books :D Was so disappointed in the lack of text on herps at my local library, very comforting to know there are plenty I can start hoarding (again... :rolleyes: )