"To countless millions snakes represent all that is evil, dangerous and loathsome in the animal world; silent, slow moving calculated killers with an array of weaponry at their disposal. Far from being mindless assassins, snakes have proved themselves adept at avoiding confrontation and seldom attack unless directly threatened. Africa plays host to some of the world's most unusual, deadly and varied species. All display evolutionary differences that have ensured their survival in such an in hospitable environment including colour, size and the all important armoury for self-defence and feeding"--Container.