Gila Monster: Facts & Folklore Of Americas Aztec Lizard

By David E. Brown and Neil B. Carmony

Book Overview

The Gila Monster spends 99% of its life underground, making encounters with this lizard extremely rare. Sightings are infrequent even for the biologists who study them. When one does stumble upon a Gila Monster, however, this slow-moving lizard is not easily forgotten. Advertised by orange-and-black coloration and followed by stories of venomous power, the Gila Monster carries a mystique like that of few other animals. In this volume, authors David Brown and Neil Carmony dig out the tall tales, dispel the myths, and reveal the lizard s true character. Through a collection of biological and historical facts mixed with entertaining stories, they have created an illuminating account of America s largest and only poisonous lizard. Written in an engaging style, The Gila Monster is a fun and educational read for all who are intrigued by the Southwest and its most mysterious denizen. "

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874806003
• ISBN13: 9780874806007
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: University of Utah Press
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 15 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Ignore the cover and read the book

It is an unfortunate fact of publishing that the people who design book covers are not the same as those who write the books. In fact, authors frequently have little or no say over how their work is packaged. I suspect this is the case for Brown and Carmony's excellent work on Gila monsters. It is true that Gila Monster, Facts and Folklore of America's Aztec Lizard carries errors on the back cover, but there are none in the text. Indeed, Brown and Carmony communicate their fascinating subject in a manner that is both readable and accurate. They present not only a complete picture of Gila Monster biology, but also a fascinating look the animals' cultural significance. I heartily urge this book for anyone who has an interest in the herpetology, natural history, or folklore of the American Southwest.

Good introduction to the lizard

Fascinating information regarding early envenomations in the American West, a good bibliography, and wonderful introduction to the subject suitable for any naturalist.