Originally published in 1882, Snakes: Curiosities & Wonders of Serpent Life, by naturalist and artist Catherine Hopley, is a fascinating examination of the snake, from anatomy and biology, to common myths, to individual species and habits, and even speculation on "the great sea serpents." In the late 19th century, snakes were considered mysterious, evil creatures, stained from the sin in the Garden of Eden. Hopley's careful study shed new light on creatures long-thought to be vicious and deadly. In a new introduction, cryptozoologist Loren Coleman comments, "The mystery of snakes and the passion many of us experience among the serpents may seem commonplace enough today, but when this masterpiece appeared over a hundred years ago, in 1882, it was a remarkable event. The result was an interesting and scientifically insightful book on the curiosities of serpent life. It mixed Hopley's keen sense for observations and facts with her wonderful illustrations."This new edition, a replica of the original 1882 edition and complete with original illustrations, is part of Cosimo Classic's Loren Coleman Presents series. LOREN COLEMAN is the author of numerous books on cryptozoology, including Bigfoot!: The True Story of Apes in America and Mothman and Other Curious Encounters.CATHERINE COOPER HOPLEY was an artist, author, and naturalist from the late 19th century. She has written such titles as British Reptiles and Batrachians (1888),Life in the South from the Commencement of the War(1863), Stonewall Jackson (1863), and Rambles and Adventures in the Wilds of the West (1872). She wrote several natural history books and became known for her realistic watercolor paintings, and her 1856 painting of the old stone church in the Cleveland Public Square is in the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, Ohio.LOREN COLEMAN is one of the world's lead crypozoologist. In 1960 he started his fieldwork and after years pursuing cryptozoological mysteries he began writing. He is the author of numerous books of cryptozoology, including Bigfoot!: The True Story of Apes in America and Mothman and Other Curious Encounters.