REFERENCE

Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder's Fork and Lizard's Leg: The Lore and Mythology of Amphibians and Reptiles

by Marty Crump
Univ. of Chicago. 2015. 320p. photos. index. ISBN 9780226116006. $35; ebk. ISBN 9780226116143. REF
COPY ISBN
"Love herps. Warts, scales, and all." This humorous description appropriately accompanies this lively, accessible roundup of reptiles and amphibians in folklore, written by herpetologist Crump, who cites biologist Archie Carr and four-year-old granddaughter Fionna as her touchstones. Covering creation myths, witchcraft rituals, and more, Crump (coauthor, The Mystery of Darwin's Frog) implores readers to "embrace the spirits, dragons, demons, deities, heroes, and trickster—and allow yourself to view the world of amphibians and reptiles through different lens," emphasizing the urgency of conservation, similar to Chris Mattison's Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians (see review below). Essays are enhanced by color photographs.
VERDICT Readers will enjoy this fun, fascinating fairy-tale theater featuring toads, snakes, and more.
Reviewed by Judy Quinn , Mar 01, 2016
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