Being from the Appalachians, I have always been fascinated with this sect of Christianity. Weston La Barre's academic prose and insight trace the sect in its relationship to greater society, the culture (through psychoanalysis and comparative symbols), and the individual. The style is interesting and succinct as it traces the origins of the practice in 1909 to the phenomenon in crisis in the 1950's; the writing does not offer insight into contemporary snake-handling traditions and may seem dated. La Barre does not humnaize the practioners as does Covington in Salvation On Sand Mountain, but his insights and parallels to the snake as symbol are stimulating. Referring to the snake-handlers as a cult is problematic for their beleifs, aside from snake-handling and poison drinking, are in allignment with Christianity. Good book to read especially if your are intersted in this phenomenon.