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The History of Four-Footed Beasts and Serpents

The History of Four-Footed Beasts and Serpents  by Edward Topsell
Thomas Topsell
London: Printed by E. Cotes
1658
Special Collections and University Archives

Medieval and renaissance era bestiaries frequently include mythological creatures along with authentic ones.  This 17th century bestiary by Topsell features a length section on snakes and describes both existing land snakes as well as imaginary sea serpents capable of sinking large ships.