The serpent and the Spirit - Thomas G. Burton

"A snake handler convicted of the attempted murder of his wife by means
of serpent bite is serving ninety-nine years in prison. The reader is
gradually pulled into an increasingly complex story as Thomas Burton
allows the many individuals involved in this event to tell their
stories. Readers are less likely to find themselves concerned with what
"really" happened than with larger issues they too will become involved
in. this is more than a story about the headline 'preacher tries to
murder wife - with rattlesnakes!" it is a story of individuals
struggling with their faith and their fate under the steady gaze of
their God." -Ralph W. Hood Jr., winner of the American Psychological
Association's William James Award in the psychology of religion

In this comprehensive, multilayered set of narratives, the story of
Glenn Summerford's fall from grace is told by its participants, through
interviews, court documents, and other primary sources. Free of either
prejudice against or romanticizing about the snake-handling Holiness
religion, this book presents an absorbing story of a fascinating group
of people, while allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions
about Summerford's guilt or innocence. The Serpent and the Spirit is a
startling commentary on truth and its representation, religion and its
expression, humanity and its flaws.

Thomas Burton is professor emeritus of English at East Tennessee State
University. He is the winner of the Appalachian Consortium Laurel Leaves
Award.