It profiles champion venomous snakes like the king cobra, inland taipan, and black mamba, detailing their hunting strategies and habitats. The book argues that despite their fearsome reputation, venomous snakes are integral to their ecosystems and potential sources of biomedical resources. It emphasizes the co-evolutionary arms race between snakes and their prey, resulting in highly specialized and potent venom.
The approach is scientific and analytical, presenting complex information in an accessible and engaging manner. Progressing from venom production and delivery to the biology and behavior of various snake families, the book culminates in a discussion of the potential medical applications of snake venom.