Rattlesnakes I-II. (Janisch Miklós könyvtárából) [antikvár]

Preface to the Second Edition This edition contains such changes and additions as have been made possible by new knowledge of rattlesnakes obtained by herpetological students and field observers during the intervening years. The new material has been inserted at appropriate places in the text and the references detailing the new information have been added to the bibliography. The extended knowledge has been especially important in the fields of classification. Newly described subspecies have been included and others not hitherto considered valid have been reinstated. The range maps and morphological tables have been brought up to date. Almost everywhere rattlesnake populations are diminishing because of the influx of people into the rural areas where they are found; but, coincidentally, there are more people who are curious about these interesting, but unfortunately dangerous, reptilian neighbors, thus justifying this republication. PUBLISHER'S NOTE Laurence M. Klauber's monumental study, Rattlesnakes, was first published in 1956. The two-volume work was subsequently given the highest critical acclaim and the author became internationally recognized as the outstanding authority on the subject. Over the next several years, Mr. Klauber continued to collect information aimed at the eventual publication of a revised edition. Work on this began in earnest in 1966 and the author completed revisions to chapters 1, 2, and 3 in 1967. He regarded these changes as being the most necessary and significant in the entire work. The revised chapter 2 incorporates all the information available on classification and identification of rattlesnake species and subspecies up to the end of 1967. Chapter 3 has been greatly expanded in the light of recent information on the zoogeography as well as paleontology and phylogeny of rattlesnakes. Mr. Klauber had planned to include revisions on a smaller scale throughout the work but his ]3rogram was interrupted by illness early in 1968 and terminated by his death on May 8, 1968. Because of the continuing high demand for the volumes the Editorial Committee of the University of California Press has authorized the issuance of a revised edition of Rattlesnakes in the form in which Laurence Klauber left it. His thorough and meticulous methods of investigation and high standard of presentation more than justify such a decision. The Committee wishes to express its appreciation for counsel and guidance provided by Allan J. Sloan, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Natural History Museum, in reviewing and preparing the second edition for the printer.