Mushroom Miscellany

by Patrick Harding

Mushroom collecting is becoming increasingly popular, and while a comprehensive identification guide is essential, the folklore, facts and fables, recipes and stories that have accumulated since ancient times create part of the charm of these strange organisms. Oddly, these facts have never been compiled in one book. Collins Mushroom Miscellany is a compilation of all of the fascinating biological facts -- a mushroom holds the record for the largest spreading single organism covering nearly 3km --e -- the folklore -- there is a widespread belief that mushrooms arise from falling stars -- the uses -- tree moss lichen is found in most modern perfumes -- and the history -- the Neolithic Ice-Man found in Europe in 1990 carried two types of fungus; one for use as tinder, but another mounted on a leather thong remains undecided. Additionally, the book features the most widely used recipes for cooking mushrooms from around the world. Mushroom Miscellany is a veritable treasure trove of fascinating facts -- a perfect introduction to the third kingdom of fungi and an essential companion to every mushroom field guide.

Genres: Nature, Natural History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not a field guide to fungi - it is much better than that. It is full of weird and amazing facts about fungi. For instance a fungi may have been the trigger for the Witch Hunting fever that swept through Europe in 16th & 17th century.The book covers everything from Folklore, cultural & religious uses of fungi, medicinal and culinary uses of fungi, fungi in art & literature to fungi that glow in the dark and why fairy rings form.
The book is also loaded with beautiful pictures and written in a very readable and amusing way.

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been better without the antisemitism and subtle racism

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its not a bad book but I was just expecting something completely different. I also wanted more photos and illustrations and less texts.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know next to nothing about mushrooms, and yet this knowledge will be required of me for my thesis. I was quite happy to find Harding's Collins Mushroom Miscellany to help me understand some of the rudimentary basics. There were lots of pictures, which is always good for a beginner. More important for my studies is that throughout the book both the Latin and common names were given.

I thought this was quite an enjoyable and informative book.

[MIGoose728 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative facts about mushrooms, toad stools and spores. Cute little historical stories. Enjoyed very much and quick read.