Product Description

Praise for the hardcover edition:

"The quality of the photographs, along with the detailed descriptions, makes the volume an excellent identification guide."
-- American Reference Books Annual

"If you have even the slightest interest in identifying North American mushrooms, this is -- quite simply -- the book on the topic, bar none."
-- January Magazine

For amateur collectors or professional mycologists working in the field, this guidebook is quite simply the best North American mushroom reference ever published. Each of the 1,000 specimens is shown in full color on a neutral background to eliminate distractions, and specimens are arranged to show the cap, stem, gills, spines and a cross section, usually in various stages of growth.

Roger Phillips identifies all regional varieties of Basidiomycetes, which include chanterelles, puffballs and fungi, and Ascomycetes, which include morels and cup fungi. Detailed descriptive information on each mushroom variety includes:

• Dimensions of cap, gills and stem
  
• Color and texture of flesh
  
• Odor and taste
  
• Habitat and growing season
  
• Distribution and appearance of spores
  
• Edibility and poison warnings

There is also helpful advice on collecting specimens plus an illustrated beginner identification key and a generic key for the more advanced collector.

Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America is at once the ideal introduction to mycology and an essential reference for the experienced collector -- the definitive book in its category.

Customer Reviews (20)

A Mushroom Guide
This is an excellent, superb reference on quality paper and detailed photos. The mushroom photos show both the cap and the gills.All are nicely sorted by genera and species for convenience. I do have two other guides, but they can't compare in quality to this top notch reference.It is well worth the price. Coloration and shape of mushrooms may change as they age so identification can be difficult even with this comprehensive guide.

nice but not perfect
I own several mushroom books, including most of the field guides. This book has been the most useful, but it is not perfect.I don't eat or smoke the mushrooms, so my interest is purely in photographing and identifying them.Here are my thoughts:

The positives:
1. I live in Florida, and I have been able to find most of the larger species in this book.
2. For each species, it describes the cap, gills, stem, flesh, spores, habitat, season, and whether or not it is edible or poisonous.
3. There is a photo of each species described in the book.
4. It covers more species than most other books.
5. It is great for someone who wants to identify mushrooms with pictures rather than keys, more for general interest than eating them.

The negatives:
1. There is no key to species--just pictures and descriptions--which is necessary for someone who intends to eat the mushrooms to verify identification.
2. The pictures are only just average quality.
3. The book is big and heavy--I wouldn't take it in the field with me.
4. Polypores are undercovered, as are a number of southern mushroom species.
5. Many of the exact pictures in the book can be found on Roger's mushroom website, so the website could be used instead of the book.

Overall, I am happy I bought the book, and I think it's a nice addition to my library.

Excellent identification tool with minor drawbacks.
To date this is the BEST 'mushroom identification book' that I own.I have used this book for the last 17 years and it has not let me down save for a couple of instances.I have the 1991 paperback edition that is quite easy to tug along on vacation, field trips, and back yards. Yes, the size makes it a tad inconvenient on long trips but having large, clear pictures and the identification points on the same or the page next to the picture makes rapid identification a lot easier.So in my opinion this more than makes up for the large size problem.

The author does state that for an accurate identification the ENTIRE specimen should be uprooted to use the base, spore colors etc as identifying points.Please be aware that in many parks and private property areas uprooting specimens is prohibited except by permission.

The pictures are quite clear and the author has identification keys that make the text very easy to follow.There are a couple of issues that I wish were fixed.First, the pictures are not taken in the field but in a studio with a bluish grey background.This helps because ALL parts of the mushroom are clearly visible but the background used diffues the color scheme of the specimen.In most cases this is no big deal I was easily able to identify specimens but in some cases I was led down the wrong path.Secondly, the key does not contain all specimens but that is understandable.

All in all I am very happy that I chanced upon this book in 1991.It has served me well all these years.In fact just this morning while working on my sprinkler heads I used this book to identify a specimen I had not seen before.I have checked out the new edition which is in hardback but I prefer my old reliable companion so I'll just keep it.

A Mycologist's Dream book

I have a small library of dichotomous key books that I have collected over the 15 years I have been interested in mushrooms and this is the best new book on mycology I found it via the Prairie State Mushroom Club in Iowa that I am a member of.It has brief but valuable biological descriptive info supplemented by great photos showing immature button to mature stages of the 5 major genera: Amanita, Lacterus,Cortinaarius, and Boletus. In addition, it states for each species whether it is edible,not recommended, non-edible/poisonous. A good glossary and beginner's key of nomenclature and methods of spore,pilus,stipe identification. A "must have" book for any amateur or professional fungalist. Arnold Christian, Blue Grass, IA

Terrific book!
This book has a ton of great pictures and descriptions.I bought this book for my fiance who is a mushroom inthusiast.There were many times when we would be taking a walk and he would wonder if mushrooms we saw were edible.He keeps the book in his car, and it's a great reference guide.The descriptions let us know where to expect certain mushrooms, if they are edible or not, and what they taste like.
I highly recommend this book for new mushroom hunters! ... Read more

Product Description
The ubiquitous fungi are little known and vastly underappreciated. Yet, without them we wouldn’t have bread, alcohol, cheese, tofu, or the unique flavors of mushrooms, morels, and truffles. We can’t survive without fungi.

The Kingdom Fungi provides a comprehensive look at the biology, structure, and morphological diversity of these necessary organisms. It sheds light on their ecologically important roles in nature, their fascinating relationships with people, plants, and animals, and their practical applications in the manufacture of food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The book includes information about “true” fungi, fungus-like creatures (slime molds and water molds), and a group of “composite” organisms (lichens) that are more than just fungi. Particular attention is given to examples of fungi that might be found in the home and encountered in nature.

The Kingdom Fungi is a useful introductory text for naturalists, mycologists, and anyone who wants to become more familiar with, and more appreciative of, the fascinating world of fungi.
... Read more

Product Description
Thirteen terrifying tales from the master of horror who created the nationally bestselling Necroscope series. The title story, "Fruiting Bodies," in which a small village slowly disappears, won the British Fantasy Award. "The Viaduct," is the story of two young boys who learn the truth about fear and death. "Born of the Winds" was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. There is also an Introduction by Lumley in which he discusses violence in horror fiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Yeesh!Good old-fashioned tales to send chills down your spine.
Aside from having one of the coolest titles ever, this is one of the best collections of short stories in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft.Ah-ah-ah, but wait.This isn't to say that Mr. Lumley writes in a thick prose which could bore you to death while speaking of "indescribable horrors" - rather, Lumley takes every bit of that "I never really thought about how little man knows about anything" kind of chill that Lovecraft is famous for, and injects it into his own kinds of ideas and situations.There are also a few non-supernatural stories here, which show that a person doesn't need to transcend space and time in order to find true horror - again, we know SO little about anything, including what we're capable of.

"Fruiting Bodies," the titular opener, is one of the most singularly creepy stories you might ever read.I won't say much except that you'll never again walk into your basement without thinking about this story...and if it's musty and moldy, you probably will try to find any excuse you can to NOT go.

"The Man Who Photographed Beardsly" is a quick first-person narrative, detailing...well, it's an artist talking, and he...hm, well, without ruining it, it's a quick narrative of "what happened."This might be considered a little weak, but it's still good.

"The Man Who Felt Pain" is a future-set tale of twin brothers, one of which has the ability to feel the pain of others from all around him...and suffers greatly from it.The other, who tells this tale, raises a good point from this: that "if we all felt everyone's pain, why, then there'd be no more wars or cruelties or hurtfulness of any sort..."More emotional than it is scary, but with chilling implications that will haunt you - along with certain images from the tale itself - for a long time afterward.

"The Viaduct" is a straight-up thriller, with two boys who like to live life on the edge learning the ultimate lesson for themselves after making fun of a local reta--um, "special kid."It's a seriously tense story, but sadly the supernatural is again missing here.Scary climax, however.

"Recognition" - ahhh, Lovecraft delight.Strange happenings, eerie noises, monstrous implications, and a creepy finish.What more could you want from a second-generation Lovecraft writer?

"No Way Home" is also Lovecraftian in its angle of things (eep, pun lurking in there...).If you get lost somewhere near where you think you are supposed to be, maybe...don't read this story if you stop to think or rest.And watch out for High House!

"The Pit-Yakker" is not about some kind of monster that lives in a construction site and makes yakking sounds, unfortunately.I had that impression far too firmly in mind, especially after reading Mr. Lumley's intro to the story ("...sometimes I wonder what they'll find under all that pit filth.")Another no-supernature story, but, like "The Man Who Photographed Beardsley" and "The Viaduct," it's still a good one.

"The Mirror of Nitocris" - ah, back into Lovecraft mode.Narrated by Henri-Laurent de Marigny (later a faithful Watsonian sidekick to one of Mr. Lumley's series heroes, Titus Crow), it's a quick tale of a cursed mirror of an ancient Egyptian queen, ancient beings, and...well, read it for more details.There's one image from it which is pretty haunting, especially if you're alone in your room and dozing off while trying to stay awake.

"Necros" - nope, not NecrosCOPE, just Necros.Englishman visiting Italy meets a beautiful woman and her companion, a creepy old man, and a romantic evil begins to form.I shall say no more.

"The Thin People" may be one of the best stories in the book.Absolutely creepy, and definitely Lovecraft-inspired.You'll never quite look out your window at the street at night in the same way again.

"The Cyprus Shell," and "The Deep-Sea Conch" are two split tales that involve similar situations being shared by and to their respective narrators.And don't read them out of order! - read "Shell," then read "Conch."They make for a highly effective diptych.

"Born of the Winds" is another favorite of mine from this collection, along with "Fruiting Bodies" and "The Thin People."A total, absolute, 100% Lovecraft tale (Great Old Ones and all), this story is also the longest in the book (61 pages in all!).Highly recommended to be read during cold weather or if you live in a colder climate.Very creepy at times, and an excellent closer.

And now that you know a thing or two about the book, hunt down a copy and enjoy.

...wait, did you hear that?

Fantastic!
Short horror stories are my favorite fiction form, and this is one of my favorite collections.The stories are original and creepy.

There is a fungus amongus!
Having only recently been turned on to Brian Lumley, this is my first purchase and first read of Lumley; and all I can say is Wow!His writing phases from ethereal to direct impact, flowing with style and a flair for the creepy things that go squish in the night.

Beginning with the best story of the collection, "Fruiting Bodies", Lumley takes us on a trip through a small, dying town that is slowly falling into the sea.But will the sea claim its victim before the Dry Rot does?Seemingly, a new and mutated type of dry rot, it is as hungry as the sea.Lumley does not deny the imagination in this tale, leaving you searching the nooks and crannies of your house for any...well...nasty accumulations.

"The Man Who Photographed Beardsley" is a short but sweet sabbatical into a demented and twisted mind, which has managed to retain its sense of propriety.

"The Man Who Felt Pain" is a tale told by the protagonist, of his twin brother and the bond they shared, through life and death.If one twin suffers, will not the other twin feel his pain...sooner or later?

"The Viaduct" reminds me of Stephen King back when he still had tight and compelling stories with real-life characters you could relate to immediately.Children can be cruel, but just where is the line drawn when one doesn't understand the rules?This is an excellent story, in which I could actually feel the desperation and the slippery palms of true terror.

"Recognition" is a ghostly tale of a haunted place, and a firm argument as to why some things are best left alone.

"No Way Home" is a surreal nighttime journey through both familiar and unfamiliar territory, with a surprise ending that is unexpected...and worth the trip.

"The Pit-Yakker" takes us back in time to a simpler life within a working-man's village, and a young man's dreams that turn to dust and disintegration in the wake of simple urges and the lack of intelligence to quench them.Questions of friendship and tolerance and personal limitations are addressed here, in a harsh and unforgiving atmosphere of betrayal and lust.

"The Mirror of Nitocris" was one of the stories I found to be a bit boring, kind of strung out and lacking, even though it is only 10 pages long.It was just a bit of a yawn in all the rest of the excitement; a tale of an acquired artifact that comes into being in a chilling climax, only to be destroyed before it can leash its evil into the world.

"Necros" is a very interesting tale of immortality, and the things one must do in order to assure that immortality is youthful and pleasant.But there is a twist to this at the end that will surprise you, and give you a peek into the horrific aspects of bowing to such a creature.

"The Thin People" is a true masterpiece of the type of horror that will leave you forever guessing about ordinary things you see every day.I am counting the lamp posts on my street now, and have had a few disturbing dreams in regards to the science of "Folding".Excellent tale!

"The Cypress Shell" and "The Deep Sea Conch" are intertwined stories, based on letters written from one person to another.The tales they tell of mysterious mollusks are frightening and disgusting, and well deserve their place here in this anthology.The creepiness Lumley portrays upon something as simple as shellfish is amazing, and you will never eat clams or muscles in the same uncaring fashion as you once did before this unnerving description of these innocent organisms.

Lastly is "Born of the Winds", the longest story in the collection, and a novella in its own right.Although, it was my least favorite of all the set.A meteorologist recovering from an "incident" of chest discomfort visits his friend in Navissa, Manitoba.While recuperating from his complaint within the house of his friend, he meets the widow of Samuel Bridgeman, an anthropology professor who had died nearby some years ago.Our protagonist becomes interested in Bridgeman's written works, and eventually becomes involved in Mrs. Bridgeman's search for her son, Kirby.How deep is the Bridgeman's connection with the Air Elementals and the Wind Walkers, and where does Kirby fit in with these spirits?Not a bad story, just a little too wordy and..well...coy, for my tastes.

Don't miss this fantastic collection of stories from Lumley, a true master of mysterious and weird stories that are well written and well told.Enjoy!

can't digest the fungi
i was not mazed by this collection. it was strange, in a way. great descriptions in one story, incredible shallow in another. good well developed style in one story,like a child writing in another. amazingly unoriginal in some stories. never really inventive. but the most sad thing was how Lumley kept from being interesting. oh, by the way: don't hate the man, know he's got some good stories.

Reason to Mistrust the Abnormal
Amongst the most notable horror writers that have picked up a pen and crafted, Brain Lumley the short story writer (not to be confused with Brain Lumley, the novel writer, whom I really can't speak on because of lack of general knowledge on him) has to be mentioned with awe. I'm not certain if his allure is in the way he crafts situational happenstance, with the pages of foreshadowing seamlessly meshing with the way he flawless enacts characterization, if its the way his peaks and valleys, his towns and villas, dance so vividly that my mind can walkabout and taste the air that even the shortest of tales seems to craft, or if its the ideas for his stories themselves. Its strange how he accomplishes that task, though, approaching horror and punctuating it with an aire of newness that banishes many of the classically shallow pits we've seen a million times before. Honestly, every time I read one of his shorts I find myself wondering exactly where his mind will allow him to approach even the most basic idea from.

In this collection of short stories, I've found many and many a tale that merits and actually demands acclaim. Some, like Fruiting Bodies and The Thin People, teem with topics that are frightening in their flavors, wearing masks that I can't recall reading anywhere else. Others, like the Lovecraftian tales he forged, most notably Recognition, wear dread like familiar sweaters. Now, for a listing of the stories here and a synopsis of some that no doubt does them an injustice:

Fruiting Bodies, one of my favorite pieces in this book, incorporates the disappearance of a town and the tales of a kindly old man into a tale of a mysterious fungi that seems quite extraordinary in its abilities. In fact, as it consumes more and more, it seems downright horrific in its reproach. I particularly liked this story because of the last statements, the punctuation mark on the horror if you will, that left the terrible tale open for the mind to digest. On top of that, the detail given to the setting is deliciously remarkable.

The Viaduct, a tale containing a valuable lesson on the cost of tormenting others, on heights and the challenge they bring to the table, and on the wonderful world of falling. This tale wasn't one that I cared for simply because of its ending, a great piece of work in and of itself, but I also appreciated the detailing, quite explicit and painstakingly given. In it, I could feel the characters and taste the surroundings, something that always amazes me.

Recognition, a Lovecraftian inspired piece, focuses on an entity that dwells within a home that someone wishes to be rid of, their efforts to understand the enemy, and the subsequent means (a medium, and exorcist, and someone to draw the beast for him) used to do so. This tale is particularly inspiring because it focuses upon the notion we hold most dear, that of understanding, and the high costs that connection can bring.

The Thin People, another of the more remarkable pieces here, dwells within the domain of The Thin People and their thin homes, where lightbulbs seem to vanish from streetlights and sometimes the number of lampposts changes for the worse, and on the strange science of "folding things." Again, this was interesting because it was, in a word, original.

The Cyprus Shell, coupled with a piece Lumley states he wanted printed after it, The Deep-Sea Conch, are letters that go hand in hand detailing not one but two of the dwellers within the deep (not to be confused with Deep Ones). The first, a hypnotic piece with a mesmerizing snail, and the second, a prehistoric holdover dredged from the deep, flow well together and leave a wonderful taste in the mouth of the reader.

Lastly, Born in the Winds, another Lovecraftian pieces on the wonderfully Arctic world of the WindWalker, is something that approaches a familiar topic but does so in a grand way.

The stories I chose not to breakdown are The Man Who Felt Pain, The Man Who Photographed Beardsley, No Way Home, The Pit-Yakker, The Mirror of Nitocris, and Necros. This, in no way reflects upon them as stories because all are quite good, but more on the laziness of the reviewer himself and his need to keep some things nameless.

All in all, the way this collection bounces from topic to topic, from beastly horror to loathsomely fungoid terror, is a sight to behold and well worth the read. I especially find it nice to fear something new for a change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perfect for elementary reports
The titles in 'A Class of Their Own' series provide excellent surveys for libraries interested in the six major classifications of living organisms based on the latest scientific data. Judy Wearing's BACTERIA surveys staph, strep and other bacteria while her FUNGI covers mushrooms, toadstools, molds and others, Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone's ANIMALS surveys mammals, birds, reptiles and other animals and their PLANTS surveys flowering plants, ferns and other plants; David M. Barker's ARCHAEA covers salt-lovers and other types of archaeans, and Rona Arato's PROTISTS tells of algae and amoebas and other protists. All are perfect for elementary reports.
... Read more

Product Description
This is the third edition of the definitive work on fungi in foods covering identification, isolation, enumeration, taxonomy, physiology and mycotoxin formation. High quality halftones provide a book of great value to food microbiologists, mycologists, food scientists and technologists and all those involved in food quality and safety. ... Read more

Product Description
Deep down underground, in the dark, dripping tunnels of bogeydom, live the bogeys, a vile collection of slimy, smelly creatures who revel in everything revolting. Fungus is a bogeyman-a particularly foul and fetid specimen. As he goes about his bogey business, the full horrors of bogeydom are revealed. Over 80,000 copies of this fun book have been sold worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Fungus The Bogeyman the Plop up book
My 10 year old wanted this book as her teacher has owned her copy for 20 years. We were unable to purchase the plop up version anywhere in NEW ZEALAND, so I tried purchasing thru Amazon for the 1st time and was THRILLED at the super fast service, it arrived in under a week, and the book was exactly as stated.My daughter is absolutely thrilled to own her very own copy and it is a treasured item to pass on to many generations.I will definately use Amazon again.Cheers (ps: the book is well written, illustrated and funny a great read).

Wonderful!
Wonderful story! I adored the pictures, and the story, it was captivating for me. I received this many years ago when I was a young girl of 9, from my beloved aunt in Canada who knew I'd enjoy it. I spent hours pouring over the illustrations. I highly recommend this, its a treasure!

Graphic SF Reader
Fungus is part of a bogeyman family.Their job is basically to be gross and go around scaring kids and all that sort of thing, slime, nastiness, saying boo, and that whole caper.What if this is your destiny and you don't want it to be?That is the issue under investigation in this amusing and clever tale by Briggs.

A blast from the past
Wow! I got this book 20+ years ago from my older brother and loved it! I lost track of my copy and for years now I've been trying to remember what it was called...I just happened upon the dvd on netflix and there was that familiar face. I remember looking through this book over and over again and seeing something new each time. I'm pretty sure pages were falling apart and coming out of the binding I read it so much. I highly recommend this book for youngsters, and I plan on ordering copies for my neices...and probably one for myself!

Fungus the Bogeyman
Very happy with this copy....great read and goes with the other Raymond Briggs books I purchased....made a fabulous xmas present! ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 2 in the Fungus Link Series ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Book Infectious Diabetes
I was really happy how pristeen the supposed used book "Infectious Diabetes"was. I would order again from this
representative at Amazon.com.

Only recommendation wish you could order Fed Ex and pay extra to have this item shipped faster.

I was told up front this could only order snail mail. Very professional service.

Thank you,
Nancy

This book is not ONLY for people with diabetes

While this book is aimed mainly at diabetes, there is a lot of important information included for people with heart, blood pressure and circulatory problems as well.Most of the information included here is theories, but they are theories that make much more sense than the ones currently being used by the medical profession, and are backed up by medical research. This is information that is not available in too many places, and I think it is very important that people know and understand these things BEFORE they make decisions as to the health care treatment they will receive.

The diet Doug sets forth is in line with most other alternative diets, and is very reasonable, given all the information he sets forth in his book.Doug believes in finding the cause of diseases, and treating them, first off by diet.Many times diet can actually cure problems that the medical profession does nothing but treat the symptoms of, let alone cure!

I would strongly urge people to study and consider Doug's theories in treatment of their illnesses.I also strongly recommend his other books.Doug cares very much about healing people; his sincerity is obvious, if you have ever seen his TV show.I would give this book a heartfelt recommendation to anyone who is suffering from diabetes, pre diabetes, or heart/blood pressure/circulatory conditions, as well as people who want to help someone they know who is suffering from these conditions.My daughter (age 29) was diagnosed with diabetes last week. I just read the book and am giving her mine, and ordering another one for me.

A good read for those with diabetes
A great followup to Doug's other books which continues his discussion about the problems fungi can cause in our lives. Interesting information for allpatients with diabetes to consider. Doug does a good job researching his information and has helped many people fight their illnesses. While not a substitute for other treatments, I believe it's important to consider as many options as possible.

Shawn Messonnier DVM
Author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.

www.petcarenaturally.com
www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

Are hidden toxins in our food making us sick?
Important book to read if you are concerned
about diabetes, or know someone who has it.
The information on treating this condition
including a list of natural supplements, plus
the diet to help control diabetes makes
this book a bargain at any price.

The information about what we are eating
and how this may determine whether or not
we may develop diabetes is something
everyone needs to read. A toxin often found
in our food supply may be making us sick!
Scientists, needing to find mice with diabetes
in order to study it, have to induce it in
the mice by injecting them with this same toxin
that is in our food supply.
Does a constant exposure of this same toxin in
our food on a daily basis do the same thing to us???
... Read more

Product Description
This book is concerned with the most devastating fungal diseases in history. These are the plagues of trees and crop plants, caused by invisible spores that have reshaped entire landscapes and decimated human populations. The Triumph of the Fungi focuses on the fascinating biology of the well- and lesser-known diseases, and also tells the stories of the scientists involved in their study, and of the people directly impacted by the loss of forest trees like the chestnut, and cash crops such as coffee and cacao. In a surprisingly brief time, human knowledge of the fungi that infect plants has evolved from Biblical superstition, to the recognition of the true nature of plant disease, and, more recently, to a sense of awe for the sophistication of these microbes. The crucial issue of human culpability in these fungal epidemics is addressed in the books closing chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Laugh While You Learn
Could a book on fungus make you laugh out loud?If the book in question is Dr. Nicholas Money's wonderful The Triumph of the Fungi, it certainly could. I laughed the whole way through, starting with the subtitle - A Rotten History, and learned so much along the way.

Each chapter of the book tackled a crop I take for granted, describing how it gained prominence, revealing who it enriched, and delving into what fungus destroyed or has the power to destroy it.Dr. Money tied in the historical aspects of each mycological disaster, making the book easy going, even for a nonscientist. As an English major, I only took two semesters of biology, so it would have been easy to lose me in the details.The numerous real-life examples, comparisons, quips, and allusions, however, made what would have been dry and inaccessible material in another author's hands fresh and fun.

Before this book, I knew nothing about how dangerous monocultures are and how at risk current farming practices make us.I had only a glimmer of how complex the life cycles of fungi are.I certainly didn't realize how impossible it is for fungicides to keep up with the rapidity of evolution in the fungal world.And now I do.

It took me months to read this book because I'm a teacher and, during the school year, I only get to read in 15-minute "Silent Reading" intervals.This kind of interrupted reading makes even great books take a loooong time to finish.To Dr. Money's credit, the book was so well written that even a sporadic reader found it easy to pick up where she left off and forge on. It's a rare book that entertains as well as it educates; Triumph of the Fungi does just that.

Manifesto against monocultures
Apart from some strained attempts at humour, starting with the subtitle, Nicholas Money has produced an excellent book.The book is a well-organised and expressively written presentation of how various fungi [and their relations] have and are assaulting valuable trees and crops around the planet.With excellent graphics to support the text, the author describes how fungal infections have attacked decorative or lumber tree species, such as the chestnut and jarrah, crop plants like coffee, potatoes and rubber.He explains how the infections were detected and investigated by various researchers and what steps have been taken to curb or eliminate the infestation.The latter point is the one that should prompt the reader's close attention.

Although to many people, the blight causing the Irish Potato Famine may be the best known of fungal infections, Money opens with a story of the extermination of the American Chestnut.The account shows how little was known of fungi life cycles at the turn of the last century.Coping with the spreading infection was sporadic and ineffective.The spores, Money calculates, spread at the rate of over 100 metres per day.Small wonder governments failed to address the epidemic successfully.Control, in any case, would have meant an interdict on seed and seedling importation and transport, a multi-million dollar business.Such a draconian imposition would have raised the ire of business and governments alike.So we lost the chestnut.And the elm.The oaks and redwoods in California are presently under threat from a similar infestation.How can microbes be so destructive and apparently so immune to counter-measures?

Fungi are insidious in their invasive tactics and are talented breeders.Not only may a species have multiple mechanisms for breeding, many actually breed across species to create hybrids.These cross-bred organisms are highly adaptable to changing conditions.In fact, variations in environment may prompt species' mix to address the change.The breeding of multiple species may have immense impact, since some fungi may infect more than a hundred different types of plants.Money demonstrates mixed feelings as he describes some fungi as "the most exuberant swingers of the microbial world".It's an amazing capacity in such a simple organism.The genome of some species is nearly the size of a human's - but, far more importantly, the large genome imparts the ability to change rapidly as needed.This is one reason why so many fungi aren't "species-specific" in their infections.

In his descriptions of the historical efforts to identify the various rusts, blights, blasts and bunts attacking plants, Money recounts the efforts of investigators.There are the losers who went along almost fantastic idea tracks, attributing infections to malodorous mists and even moonlight.More rational researchers found ways of tracking infectors and how they operated.His first hero is Henry Murrill, who struggled to cope with the American chestnut epidemic that originated in the Bronx Zoo grounds in 1904.Rev. Miles Berkeley, working in limited circumstances, produced a landmark essay on the cause and effect of fungal infection of the "Irish" potato.Money's chapter heading, "Potato Soup" is telling as a descriptor.

Farther afield, Money admires the work achieved by a group of women in the Netherlands.Johanna Westerdijk, Christine Buisman and Marie Schwarz all made key contributions in revealing the mechanics of what is known as Dutch elm disease.Some of this work provided pointers to the evolutionary path of these fungi, information being applied elsewhere.Money's real praise, however, reaches further back in time in lauding two French scientific pioneers.Mathieu Tillet and Benedict Prevost proved to be the first to apply sound research methods in determining how plant disease operates.He would have this pair granted Nobel Prizes if the rules allowed posthumous awards.He notes that in France experimental research was held in low regard in their day.It was a serious uphill climb for them to gain recognition for their work.

It's not an uphill struggle to read this book, however.Money, who has published other works on mycology - the study of fungus - has an admirable way of making his point.The point here is that with fungi so adaptive, so easily disseminated over vast distances and so difficult to eradicate, the human species stands in some peril of indirectly succumbing to its effects.Wheat, maize, cocoa, coffee and rubber may join chestnuts in disappearing from our ken.These products are fundamental to our society, and more research must be undertaken to reveal how to address the problem.With so many of these crops being clones of earlier strains, their vulnerability is high, as is ours as a result.Read this and find out what you may be confronting.[stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

An alright book
As I had read the author's other books on fungi I thought this one would be great. I was wrong. It fine for folks who know little about fungi and their influences in the world but not of much value otherwise. Mr Money can do better.

Fantastic book!
It is often said that the cockroaches will outlast us--but Nicholas Money's new book convinces me it will be the fungi who triumph in the end. This wonderful, terrifying book details the devastation wrought by the fungi and our feeble efforts to keep them at bay. How is it possible that a book with such a grim message is a page-turner that makes you laugh out-loud on nearly every page? Because this guy can WRITE. Money is the Steven Jay Gould of mycology, the Richard Dawkins of the fungi, and this book is fantastic. ... Read more

Product Description

Fungi enjoy great popularity in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnological applications. Recent advances in the decipherment of whole fungal genomes promise an acceleration of these trends.

This timely book links scientists from different parts of the world who are interested in the molecular identification of fungi combined with the exploration of the fungal biodiversity in different ecosystems. It provides a compendium for scientists who rely on a rapid and reliable detection of fungal specimens in environmental as well as clinical resources in order to ensure the benefit of industrial and clinical applications.

Chapters focus on the opportunities and limits of the molecular marker-mediated identification of fungi. Various methods, procedures and strategies are outlined. Furthermore, the book offers an update of the current progress in the development of fungal molecular techniques, and draws attention to potential and associated problems, as well as integrating theory and practice.

Product Description
One-stop resource for those who need to identify fungi -- includes keys to classes, orders, and families; an illustrated glossary; hundreds of illustrations; and a guide to literature. More than 500 Illustrations!

The Identification of Fungi: An Illustrated Introduction with Keys, Glossary, and Guide to Literature is a comprehensive manual that gives beginners the skills to identify fungi. In addition to plant pathogenic fungi, the manual covers mushrooms, slime molds, fungi of clinical significance, indoor air fungi, and other aspects of mycology.

This manual covers all groups of fungi and fungus-like organisms and includes over 500 diagrams and line drawings. Descriptions of major groups (phylogenetic and artificial), simplified keys to family, and an illustrated glossary enable placement of common fungi into the appropriate taxonomic category. Text and glossary are coordinated to introduce fundamentals of mycological terminology. Over 30 pages of references are provided for literature on identification of cultures and specimens, and references are also given for contemporary phylogenetic research on each major taxonomic group.

The manual will be a useful resource for general mycology courses, as well as an excellent ancillary reference for courses in plant pathology, medical mycology, or microbiology. Technicians, extension agents, clinicians, air quality specialists, microbiologists, or any others needing a comprehensive introduction will also find this manual a useful addition to their bookshelves.

Dr. Dugan is Research Plant Pathologist with USDA-Agricultural Research Service and formerly Collection Scientist for Mycology and Botany at American Type Culture Collection. Throughout his career he has authored articles on fungi found in various hosts or environments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Will aid students working in the field.
Frank M. Dugan's THE IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI: AN ILLUSTRATED INTRODUCTION WITH KEYS, GLOSSARY, AND GUIDE TO LITERATURE offers a spiral-bound workbook suitable for college-level classrooms investigating the subject. Descriptions of plant pathogens, parasites, and descriptions are very specific and will aid students working in the field. ... Read more

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This a humour book inspired by "Fungus the Bogeyman" that should appeal to younger readers. It is packed with Fungus facts, bogey jokes and slimy rhymes. ... Read more

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The Kombucha culture is fermented with sweet tea to produce an effervescent drink, packed with vitamins, enzymes, minerals and organic acids. It's great for boosting the immune system and relieving the symptoms of a host of illnesses. Revised in response to readers' comments, this expanded edition of Tietze's informative book gives easy-to-follow home brewing instructions. Illustrations. ... Read more

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This new edition of the universally acclaimed textbook on fungal biology has been completely re-written, to take account of recent progress in the taxonomy, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, pathology and ecology of the fungi. Features of taxonomic relevance are integrated with natural functions, including their relevance to human affairs. Special emphasis is placed on the biology and control of human and plant pathogens, providing a vital link between fundamental and applied mycology. The emphasis throughout is on whole-organism biology from an integrated, multidisciplinary perspective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent buy
I purchased this book and recommend it to every professional mycologists and plant pathologists. I'm really happy with the purchase.

What is behind all those mushrooms and toadstools?
Introduction to Fungi
I haven't read much scientific literature on fungi after my PhD in 1976. This book is for me a very good re-introduction in this field of science. The third edition appeared in 2006, 27 years after the second edition. Many things have changed in the field of mycology in this period: the introduction of DNA-techniques formed a major break-through in the identification of fungal mycelium and the relationship between mycelium and fruiting bodies like mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, wood crusts, lichens etc. At the same time DNA has introduced completely new views on the taxonomy, filogeny and evolution of fungi.
All these new views are combined in this book with the classic knowledge about fungi, based on light and electron microscope observations, biochemical studies and biological and ecological aspacts. The authors have succeeded in a presentation of the huge material in an attractive way, with numerous drawings and photographs, including 12 full color plates.
The book is an excellent starting point for deep specialisation in all aspects of mycology: the text counts for about 700 pages, followed by 120 pages of references to original literature and a subject index of 25 pages. ... Read more

Product Description
Despite an upsurge in national and international debate on environmental issues since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, fungi, vital to the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are rarely mentioned. This volume helps redress this imbalance by considering fungi in the context of the impact of humankind's activity on their habitats. The presentation of experimental evidence is a major feature of the volume. Contributions on the effects of global warming, UV-B radiation, atmospheric and terrestrial pollutants, deforestation in the tropics, loss of biodiversity, genetic engineering and chaos theory ensure a topical and balanced coverage, with both ecological and physiological viewpoints being represented. This timely review will be of interest to all mycologists and those ecologists concerned with environmental change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

North American Mushrooms Guide
The North American Mushroom Guide has been very helpful in our spring time mushroom hunting ventures.We were able to identify many different types of edidble and un edible varieties.We were able to collect and eat several types: morels, snowball, cauliflour fungi.The Morels were far the best.

Buy this book third
[A note on my perspective -- I'm interested in learning about, identifying and collecting all species of mushrooms, whether they're edible or not.This review is generally geared toward people like me, with a broad interest.If you just want to collect chanterelles and morels, there may be better options.]

I've been mushroom hunting for two years now and this is the fourth mushrooming book I've owned.I have looked at a number of other guides in bookstores and libraries.The first two books you should buy are "Mushrooms Demystified" (MD) and "All the Rain Promises and More," both by Arora.Demystified is the bible, and All the Rain is the pocket book that slips into your back pocket when you're out in the field.The two books are linked, e.g. "to learn more [about a mushroom in Rain] see MD pages xxx-xxx.

This Falcon guide is a good supplement, and has many more color pictures than either of the Arora books (which are fun to look at, but should NOT be used to identify mushrooms).There are two major upsides to this book:

First, it almost exclusively uses scientific terminology and names.If you look at enough books and talk to enough people, it's easy to get confused by mushrooms that have five different common names.Although the Arora guides supply the scientific terms too, he also uses common names a lot.The Falcon guide basically forces you to learn scientific names and terminology which is important to avoid confusion and possibly risky mistakes.

Second, the authors of the Falcon guide have personally collected and sampled a large number of the mushrooms featured in their book.They can provide a unique perspective about the edibility and habitat of mushrooms identified through the Arora books.Other than the mushrooms I'm already very familiar with, I'll definitely be using the Falcon guide to learn a bit more about any mushroom I bring home to identify.

book
North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi (Falconguide) I attended a class on identifying mushrooms and this book was highly recomended and I under stand why.it is a very good book on this topic.

Very useful in its own rite
Overall, this book is great for the beginner. It includes great color photographs of every mushroom covered. Though it contains only 180 species of mushrooms across North America, it is still a great field guide for the beginner. The book also contains a very easy and clear-cut method for classifying the mushrooms that you found. It is definitely good classification and identification practice for the beginner. Overall, it is a good field guide with nice color pictures.

Good
This is a good book on identifying common mushrooms but please be aware that you cannot learn to truly do this without learning from an expert--either someone who has extensive field training under an expert or is an accomplished academic in the area themselves. My training came from the late great, amateur mycologist, Herb Saylor, and also the eminent professor, Dr. Harry Thiers. I took all of Dr. Thiers's mycology classes back in the early 80s before he retired, and it was an honor and a priviledge to study under him (although I was a psychobiology major, I wanted to learn something about botany and mycology). I have many good general mycology field guides in my library but none are a substitute for an experienced expert. That having been said, Miller covers many of the important species in this book, although for brevity's sake many less common species were omitted. All in all a decent field guide if you remember never to eat anything you are not absolutely sure of. Remember, "When in doubt, throw it out." ... Read more