The animal is not a cinny or granite mojave. At the time the book was published, I believe that the animal's genetics were unknown. I am pretty sure VPI still owns the animal and I don't think that one was proven genetic. You will also see similar ball pythons to this on other breeders sites......coffee, ebony, goblin, etc....and I believe that they just kinda occur randomly...

http://www.grazianireptiles.com/collection/ebony.htm
http://www.ballpython.com/morph.php?morph=coffee
http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/co...all_python.asp