Which is the better book? Ball Pythons: The History, Natural History, Care, and Breeding by David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker or Complete Ball Python, A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding, and Genetic Mutations by Kevin McCurley

barker edges out kevin just 'cause it's more, bigger, better, heavier, and packed to the rafters with info.
aside from that little difference, gotta give the readability edge to kev.
barker has one fatal flaw that keeps it from being the hands-down best, the captioning is virtually impossible for the average sighted adult to read unaided.
but, as my title says, they really are both great books.
read on !
ck

Barkers book hands down...

The Barkers book.... it's more recent, so some of the stuff in it is just plain updated which I think makes it better.

....but having both is no crime!

The one thing I don't like about the barkers book is the "as already mentioned," faint captions that are very difficult to see.... I find it hard to believe they didn't see that and not correct it!

But they are both good books! :cheers:

VPI is by far the better book. Dave and Tracy are a wealth of excellent knowledge, and it takes a scientific perspective vs. just a hardcore (but also knowledgeable hobbyist). It's a bit more in depth into all aspects of husbandry, etc etc.

But like Scott said, doesn't hurt to have both. :lol:

I have both and I like each of them, but if I could only have one it would definitely be the Barker's.

I really think it depends on your perpspective. For most hobbiests and breeders, the Barkers' book would be the logical choice, just because there's so much more information on the natural history of ball pythons - so those who want to be students of ball pythons, this fits the bill perfectly.

For the casual keeper, the guy who has one or two as pets, and is not interested in breeding, but wants to make sure that they have a good book to guide them in the proper care of their snake, and one that's an enjoyable read - Kevin's book would be considered a better choice.

I have both books, and I refer to both books. I can't imagine not having either of them in my book collection! So - that said, I didn't vote. :cool:

I have both but I refer to the Barker's book a lot more often.

I don't own either so I can't vote.

To me there is no other way to look at it...

There is good and there is BETTER!

Nothing against Kevin's book but there is nothing else that has been published that is more comprehensive and informational than the barkers!