Book Reviews
There are a number of books on the market of interest to tarantula keepers. Some are full of useful information while others are full of...well, you know. To help you decide which books you might be interested in, I've done a little review of the ones I personally own and rated them on this 1-4 scale:

* * * * A Must Have!
* * * A Good Choice
* * Take It or Leave It
* Don't Bother

I have also made a notation regarding who, in my opinion, will benefit most from the book. Books with an identical rating are listed according to my personal preference. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed shunning a real life to write it. -Doug

* * * * Tarantulas and Other Arachnids
Samuel Marshall
If you only own one book on tarantulas, this is the one to get. It is reasonably priced and chock full of useful and accurate information from a well respected member of the tarantula community. I strongly recommend it for beginners and intermediates; however, even the expert keeper will find it to be a valuable reference. This is the book that all future tarantula books are sure to be judged by.
* * * * The Tarantula Keeper's Guide
Stanley A. Schultz & Marguerite J. Schultz
This is another informative, fairly priced book for both the serious and casual hobbyist. If you've read Samuel Marshall's book, then this is the book that will take you to the next level. While written in a more technical manner, it is still easy reading. If there is an area of tarantula husbandry that isn't covered in this text, then I don't know what it is. You're sure to refer to it again and again. This book provide lots of information to the beginner; however, I recommend it more for the person who has had a little experience with tarantulas, rather than the absolute first-timer.
* * * * The ATS Arthropod Medical Manual
Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Robert Gale Breene III
Put quite simply, this is the only book of its kind in the world. It has a good overview of tarantula anatomy and physiology and tells the intermediate to expert keeper how to deal with everything from molting problems and mite infestations to life threatening trauma. A truly useful book that will pay for itself in no time. Available from the American Tarantula Society only.
* * * The Proper Care of Tarantulas
Ann Webb
This book has been around for a while, but still has value. It was the first to offer a decent overview of sexing from molted skins. I like it not only because the information is solid, but it was also obviously written by someone with personal experience and a real love of tarantulas. Good for beginner to intermediate keepers.
* * * Tarantulas As A New Pet
Barbara Reger
This book is for the person who just bought, found, or is thinking about getting their first tarantula. Nice pictures and illustrations plus a friendly writing style make this one good for all age groups. I even know someone who read it at bedtime for his kids after they got their first tarantula. One drawback: It is very much a beginner level book and quickly outgrown.
* * Arachnomania
The General Care and Maintenance of Tarantulas & Scorpions
Philippe de Vosjoli
This book was at one time one of the more popular and often recommended to new keepers. While it still has some value, most of the information is dated, and better information can easily be found on-line. Beginner to intermediate keepers.
* * Tarantulas
Their Captive Husbandry & Reproduction
Jon Coote
The author of this book is apparently an experienced herper; however, his bio on the back of the book doesn't mention any experience with tarantulas or other arthropods. The information presented is generic, out of date, and appears to be taken from existing sources. All of the information in this book is available on-line. Save your money and put it towards a new spider. Beginner level.
* * Tarantulas and Scorpions
Their Care in Captivity
Wayne Rankin & Jerry G. Walls
This book has some great photos, which is a pleasant surprise considering how most of the tarantula books put out by T.F.H. recycle the same skanky pictures. Unfortunately, the information, especially that on handling and housing, is woefully lacking and borders on dangerous. I especially dislike the terrarium setups depicted. Beginner level.
* Tarantulas
John G. Browning
This is the first book I ever bought on tarantulas and have nothing good to say about it. I feel that the information in the book directly contributed to the death of my first tarantula, a Brachypelma smithi called "Dagwood". On the up side, it does make a decent coaster and I imagine you could use it to level a wobbly table. Other than that, avoid it all all costs.
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D. Martin© 1999

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