The Future is Fungi: How Fungi Can Feed Us, Heal Us, Free Us and Save Our World

by Michael Lim, Yun Shu

Without fungi, the world as we know it would not exist.

The kingdom of fungi has survived all five major extinction events. They are the architects of the natural world, integral to all life. They sustain critical ecosystems, recycling nutrients and connecting plants across vast areas, and help to produce many staples of modern life, such as wine, chocolate, bread, detergent and penicillin. Today, in the face of urgent ecological, societal and spiritual crises, fungi are being engineered to grow meat alternatives, create new sources of medicine, produce sustainable biomaterials, remediate the environment and even expand our collective consciousness.

The Future is Fungi is a complete introduction to this hidden kingdom. Exploring their past, present and potential future impact in four key areas – food, medicine, psychedelics and mental health, and environmental remediation – this book not only reveals how fungi have formed the foundations of modern life but how they might help shape our future.

Rich with informative texts, awe-inspiring 3D digital art and tips on how to immerse yourself in the world of fungi, this is a manifesto for the future, an invitation into a deeper awareness of our relationship with the natural world, each other, and ourselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Environment, Biology, Research, Medicine

212 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the most beautifully designed books I've seen. Not just a pretty coffee table book, but it is an absolutely great read for someone coming into it with little to no knowledge on the wonders of the kingdom of fungi. Eloquently written, easily digestable, the considered and expert approach in how content and images were formatted made for an enjoyable experience. I have learnt and am continuing to learn a lot. The 3D rendered images gives this book a distinct and unique creative flair. Not something you see often.

Particularly captivated by the mushroom profiles and chapters on psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Powerful and amazing stuff.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a beautiful book, but the content was pretty superficial. To cover almost the same ground, but quicker and more fun, I suggest watching the Netflix documentary "Fantastic Fungi"

[Renée Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful design and art direction - book is worth the purchase for the images. The content is similar to what you’d find in other general interest mycology books.

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

#+begin_quote
The kingdom of fungi has survived all five major extinction events.
#+end_quote

Indeed. Unlike the plants, of which we only have the fossil records. Or the animals of which there is none.

I hope the text is less cretin, as the title sounds as coming from the crowd who wants the proles to eat cockroaches, so the academics and other bureaucrats could keep their beef burgers while saving the planet.

[Emily Dubovsky · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Though the reading material was at times dry and sometimes repetitive it gave me a deeper respect and gratitude for the humble fungi and all the things they accomplish on our planet. I hope that Mycology continues to grow.

[Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info, i hated the artificial looking drawings.

[Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book provided a thorough exploration of fungi and its wide array of uses in society. The book covers the many benefits fungi can have in food and medicine, but I found the section on its psychedelic effects particularly interesting. The potential ways in which fungi can help heal not only our minds but also the physical environment around us make me optimistic about the future of humanity. I've just purchased another copy as a gift for a friend. The book and its illustrations are stunning, and its easy readability makes it the perfect book for guests to pick up and read.

[Sam Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures and book design. Gives great overview of various facets of fungi science and goes deeper into parts most interesting. A great book for those who are just beginning to learn, for those who have above average knowledge already maybe seek a different book. Regardless this is the best coffee table book I own.

[Sar N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose any book is a good book if it's about fungi but this one is so mushroom is the technological human future rather than mushroom is intrinsic to all life and here's what they do, which is what I wish it were. The illustrations of mushrooms are all so pretty but they're also not real mushrooms most of the time. what if I want to see a real mushroom? guess I'm reading the wrong book.

[Brandon Feinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to recommend one book to summarize why this branch of life is so incredible this would be the book. The words are articulate and beautiful. The imagery is stunning. The layout and sequencing is satisfying. This is an absolutely wonderful book.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful design, the illustrations are breath taking. From explaining the difference between fungi and a mushroom to the different ways they're changing the world. For someone like me that didn't know about mushrooms and fungi, this book was a great source.

[Eliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously love this book. Amazingly articulate, the 3D digital art is out of this world and the entire book is beautiful in a way that appeals to those who want a deep dive into the world of fungi or just a casual browse. Additionally it’s gorgeous on any coffee table or bookshelf.

[Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

im now obsessed with mycology

[E.D. Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and artwork, beautifully written and full of hope and good information. If you’re into fungi, this is a magical must-read.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

przepiękne wydanie

[Sam P · Rating 2 out of 5]

did kind of make me want to try lsd

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of how mushrooms can be used to heal us, in cooking, in design, in psychedelic experiences and remediate soil. Enjoyed the references to ancient and contemporary cultures, alongside stunning visuals.

[Adam Lifsics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really runs the gamut of everything fungi/mushrooms from basics to more advanced areas.

[Desiree Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool.

[Vi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite the level of idea generating that I was expecting, good coffee table book,