This volume examines the natural history of four species of snakes known to exceed 20 feet in length. Based on the writings of explorers, missionaries, scientists and adventurers over the past 200 years, the authors have pieced together research into the lives of these snakes. Included are chapters on where they are found (often around human habitations), what they eat (includes crocodiles, deer and cows), how big do they really get (a controversial subject), attacks on humans (rare), exploitation by humans for their skins, and conservation. The book is illustrated with photographs, historical lithographs, maps and graphs.