Indeed scorpions are older than dinosaurs. An ancient arthropod, their form--notable for its pair of pincers and an elegant tail that holds a menacing stinger high in the air in a permanent striking position--hasn't changed since prehistoric times, though today there are some 1700 different species. Throughout our existence scorpions have served as a powerful cultural and religious symbol--sometimes dangerous, sometimes protecting--from the Egyptian goddess Serket to Zodiac astrology to folk medicine. A fascinating tour that takes us from the art of North Africa to the American Civil War to the markets of Beijing, Scorpion is an homage to one of earth's oldest residents.