Introduction to Fungi

by John Webster, Roland Weber

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.

Genres: Science, Biology, Textbooks

867 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 1977

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Prof. John Webster was Head of Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, and twice President of the British Mycological Society.

Reviews

[Mihai Popa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to fungi, well illustrated, a systematics approach.

[Alex Gravina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't quite get along with this book, perhaps because I didn't have enough knowledge prior to reading it. I think my main issue was that it was organised by group and species of fungus and so it always seemed to give tidbits of information. From a textbook I expected to get a more comprehensive understanding of the life cycles / nutrition/ habitats etc of fungi and while it did that for some, it seemed more preoccupied with definitions.

[Sølvi Goard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beast. Very comprehensive and detailed. Useful for getting a broader understanding of phylogenetics and reproduction systems. It's been a slog but I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Dirk Dursty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not particularly accessible but stacked with great content. It IS a fungi textbook so doubtful it's making general "want to read" lists.