The story parts are captivating and very well written and captivating, but at the same time the factual information given is always backed up by citing sources, i. Featuring 30 different species, the simple innovative design makes it easy for both kids and adults to use. This needs to change because fungi are bona fide microbes that grow as budding yeast cells and colonies of slender threads and spin the planet’s carbon cycle. As Rob Dunn says in the foreword to this book, “one has the feeling of having been invited as a novice to the mycologists’ table.

Location maps give indications of each species' known global distribution, and specially commissioned engravings show different fruitbody forms and provide the vital statistics of height and diameter. His approach brings to life the mysterious and fascinating world of fungi, showcasing his expertise and passion. Some of the best fungi identification guidebooks aren’t especially interested in wild food – and some have no information on edibility at all. Foraging is an entryway into deeper nature connection, but in terms of fungi I recommend you switch this around: learn about fungi in general, then finding and confidently identifying edible mushrooms will be a lot easier.Featured quite prominently are illustrations by James Sowerby (1757–1822), Joseph-Henri Léveillé (1796–1870), Anna Maria Hussey (1805–1853), and Elsie Maud Wakefield (1886–1972). It ought to be common knowledge that Nature cradles us in a web of connection so dense and intricate we cannot leave.

I was particularly fascinated by later chapters on manufacture of so many articles, from shoe leather to housing, being made from varieties of fungus. Not for beginners, but useful for more experienced foragers wishing to expand their mycological identification skills beyond the commonplace and edible. My mother in her 80’s still passionately hunts, took me out, as she says this year has not been been good in the SE. Merlin Sheldrake’s “Entangled Life” is a captivating exploration into the largely uncharted territory of fungi, revealing their critical role in shaping our world.

I value his sincerity which shines throughout his books – they read as well now as when published, because these truths are universal. Humans have had a close relationship with mushrooms for thousands of years - from using the shiitake for healing, to telling stories of enchanted fairy rings, and cooking gourmet dishes with rare specimens. A true masterpiece: a thrilling and fascinating insight into the living world, beautifully written, entertaining, funny and inspiring, while representing the science carefully and responsibly. In this lavishly illustrated volume, six hundred fungi from around the globe are featured; each species is reproduced at its actual size, in full color, and is accompanied by a scientific explanation of its distribution, habitat, association, abundance, growth form, spore color, and edibility.

For my germs book ( I’m Trying To Love Germs), I spoke with professionals in the fields of virology, epidemiology, microbiology, and medicine, and read every kids' germ book I could get my hands on. Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you. Instead it has lots of detailed photographs and ticklists for positive identification of 25 of the best and most common edible species. The other strand is a broad cultural trend towards sustainability, self-sufficiency and a desire to reconnect with the landscape and the natural world. With attractive pictorial dust-jackets and full of interesting facts, these little pocket books are a welcome addition to any bookshelf.There’s a feeling of wonder about all of Sheldrake’s sentences which would disarm the most hardened cynic. Fascinated by Fungi is an easy-to-follow introduction to a complex and largely unexplored kingdom of life and the history, mystery, facts and fiction born out of the fascinating foibles of mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi. While it does contain details of identifying features for more than 400 mushrooms, toadstools, brackets, puffballs and other kinds of fungi, what you also get are fascinating facts such as historic uses, infamous poisoning cases, uses in food, medicines including antibiotics, and country-craft processes plus illustrated guides to fungi photography and the selection, setting up and use of microscopes to help in identifying fungi. In giving us bread, alcohol and life-saving medicines, fungi have shaped human history, and their psychedelic properties have recently been shown to alleviate a number of mental illnesses.