Book Description

"Absolutely riveting. This sensitive, fascinating exploration of a scientist's quest for knowledge deepens with relentless suspense into a classic tale of a man's fight for survival in the wilderness." --Linda Greenlaw, author of The Hungry Ocean "Absorbing, stylishly written account of the life and career of a celebrated young herpetologist . . . an exquisitely crafted book that will grab even those who have no interest in snakes." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A dramatic and moving story, told by an author who clearly understands that his subject is not simply about a man's cruel and ironic death but also about his life, his spirit, and his dreams." --Booklist "This book will astonish and delight anyone who believes that the great age of biological collecting is over." --Anne Fadiman, author of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down In the fall of 2001, deep in the jungle of Burma, a team of scientists searches for rare snakes. They are led by Dr. Joe Slowinski, at 38 already one of the most brilliant biologists of our time. It is the most ambitious scientific expedition ever mounted into this remote region, brought to a dramatic halt by the bite of the many-banded krait, the deadliest serpent in Asia. Thus begins one of the most remarkable wilderness rescue attempts of modern times. In The Snake Charmer, renowned journalist and author Jamie James captures the life and death of the fascinating and charismatic Joe Slowinski--a man whose career was fast and exciting, and whose tragic final expedition became a pulse-pounding struggle between man and nature.