Book excerpt: The Handbook of Clinical Toxicology of Animal Venoms is the first concise, one-volume book devoted to this important subject. The editors are internationally recognized authorities in the biology and clinical aspects of venomous and poisonous animals, and the chapter authors are world leaders in their respective fields of toxicology. All aspects of the topic are covered including information on the biology and taxonomy of poisonous animals, their venom or poison, diagnosis, and general treatment principles and specific treatment. The most up-to-date list of available antivenoms is provided. Coverage of venomous and poisonous animals is comprehensive, with thorough discussions on shellfish poisoning, ciguatera, fugu, coelenterates, stingrays, venous fish, blue-ringed octopus, sea-snakes, scorpions, spiders, insects, and gila lizards. Individual chapters focus on snakes and snakebite in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, Central America, and South America. Nearly all clinical chapters have been written by clinicians with extensive experience treating the particular type of animal envenoming or poisoning under consideration. No other book brings together such a wealth of information in this field, and no other book provides it in a format useful to clinicians charged with the responsibility of treating envenomed or poisoned patients. The Handbook of Clinical Toxicology of Animal Venoms is an essential addition to all medical libraries, emergency departments, toxicology departments, poison information centers, and invaluable to all professionals working in these fields.