Serpentine Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
Photographer Mark Laita unveils a pantheon of spectacular snakes in this electrifying collection. Inciting both allure and alarm, shining pastel pythons and vibrant green vipers slither across the pages. An illuminating essay by William T. Vollmann accompanies the images, delving into the associations with snakes that haunt our collective imagination.From the iridescent blue Malaysian coral snake to the candy-cane-striped albino Honduran milk snake, the aptly named beautiful pit viper, and the gleaming black mamba, the world’s most dangerous and gorgeous snakes are pictured in Serpentine, showing off their fascinating colors and textures—as well as the sensual forms their movement creates. Through Laita’s lens, there is nothing they can do, no position they can take, that fails to be anything but mesmerizing.
Hardcover: 200 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (February 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419706306
ISBN-13: 978-1419706301
Product Dimensions: 12 x 1 x 12 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #620,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #159 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Reptiles & Amphibians #442 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Plants & Animals #667 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography & Video > Nature & Wildlife > Plants & Animals
Lots of five star reviews for this jewel. And well deserved! These photos are truly spectacular. I've owned several of these snakes and, short of newborns or hatchlings, have never seen such perfect specimens. A good number of these animals are fairly common to the pet trade but many are likely only to be seen in the larger reptile houses or big city zoos. The selection of vipers is particularly impressive. That family seems to have a monopoly on the day-glo spectrum. Regardless of scarcity each snake becomes a noteworthy work of art in Mark Laita's capable hands. And capable they must be as snakes are not the easiest creatures to get to pose. I'm still scratching my head at the prospect. I was happy to see the images identified in the rear of the book along with a few pertinent pieces of information for each of the "models". As mentioned, many of these snakes are rather uncommon and would thus require a bit of research to identify.The family shots are a nice touch. They are not just endearing but provide the browser a clear indication of how the snake's appearance will change with age. I always thought the Rhinoceros Viper ("River Jack") was hands-down the most dynamic looking snake to slither across one's path but several specimens presented here offer some formidable competition. This book should appeal to anyone interested in herpetology (or photography) - novice and expert alike. No manual yet produced can match these images. For that reader, unfamiliar with the breadth of beauty this area of the natural sciences contains, they are in for a rare treat. I have collected sea shells over the years and the diversity of colors and amazing designs astound in the same manner.For those not in possession of a pathological fear of snakes this book should be a guaranteed hit.
Serpentine 2016 Wall Calendar Serpentine
