Striking limited edition, black and white study from one of America's foremost documentary photographers. Provides a unique and intimate portrait of a small community of Serpent Handlers in West Virginia. This devout way of life finds its roots in the King James Bible, with followers believing that the literal interpretation of passages of Mark and Luke regarding handling poisonous serpents and drinking lethal poisons is central to their faith. With lyrical reflections accompanying his photographs, Hunter's sensitive study brings beauty and understanding to a perhaps misunderstood practice. In recording this slowly diminishing community, this collection also provides a valuable service to the cultural history of the United States. Book is a limited, numbered edition of 1000, available as a Master or Deluxe Edition. Deluxe Edition = 100 copies (no. 1-100). Deluxe Edition includes Super 8 film shot by Hunter + signed, numbered, ltd ed. silver gelatin photograph by Hunter.