Fascinating Fungi of the Northwoods
The 2nd edition of Facinating Fungi of the Northwoods is now available. Users will find it greatly expanded, with 38 additional species descriptions and accompanying images. Also included in this edition are notations regarding edibility of many of the featured mushrooms.
This book is an excellent introduction to the mushroom world. It is packed with information on many topics of interest covering the unique nature fungi, their uses and their environment. Descriptions of individual species can guide in identification of mushrooms found in the Northwoods area.
Copies will be available to members at a reduced price . Contact Cora Mollen or Anne Small to secure a copy. You can also use our 'Contact Us' page to arrange pickup or order a copy Amazon.com.
This book is an excellent introduction to the mushroom world. It is packed with information on many topics of interest covering the unique nature fungi, their uses and their environment. Descriptions of individual species can guide in identification of mushrooms found in the Northwoods area.
Copies will be available to members at a reduced price . Contact Cora Mollen or Anne Small to secure a copy. You can also use our 'Contact Us' page to arrange pickup or order a copy Amazon.com.
Book Reviews
Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Canada by David L. Spahr
Though this top-notch book by David L. Spahr is titled Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Canada, everything in it can be applied to mushroom hunting in our Northwoods area. The book can serve as an excellent introduction to edibles frequently found here. It can be recommended for its detailed descriptions presented in a very clear, readable style. Photographs accompanying each species are outstanding. Several shots from varied angles emphasize structural features important in identification.
The book covers 20 edible mushrooms with some related varieties. Most commonly occur in our woodlands. Each mushroom is given considerable attention with pertinent details of appearance, structure and expected habitat. Cautions are provided specific to identification of each species. Suggestions for cooking and other uses are included.
Five medicinal mushroom species are discussed. All are common to our area. There are detailed descriptions, photos and comment on their health benefits.
In addition this book provides chapters on the experience of mushrooming, the general rules for mushroom gathering and consumption, useful tools, and recommended techniques for mushroom photography.
This is a fine book for beginners as well as seasoned mushroomers.
Note: If you are interested in the subject of yarn, fabric or paper dyeing, Spahr includes information on the use of featured species in the dyeing process, resulting color and an appropriate mordant.
Though this top-notch book by David L. Spahr is titled Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Canada, everything in it can be applied to mushroom hunting in our Northwoods area. The book can serve as an excellent introduction to edibles frequently found here. It can be recommended for its detailed descriptions presented in a very clear, readable style. Photographs accompanying each species are outstanding. Several shots from varied angles emphasize structural features important in identification.
The book covers 20 edible mushrooms with some related varieties. Most commonly occur in our woodlands. Each mushroom is given considerable attention with pertinent details of appearance, structure and expected habitat. Cautions are provided specific to identification of each species. Suggestions for cooking and other uses are included.
Five medicinal mushroom species are discussed. All are common to our area. There are detailed descriptions, photos and comment on their health benefits.
In addition this book provides chapters on the experience of mushrooming, the general rules for mushroom gathering and consumption, useful tools, and recommended techniques for mushroom photography.
This is a fine book for beginners as well as seasoned mushroomers.
Note: If you are interested in the subject of yarn, fabric or paper dyeing, Spahr includes information on the use of featured species in the dyeing process, resulting color and an appropriate mordant.
Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares by Greg A.
Marley
Greg Marley writes in an easy, flowing prose that makes for pleasurable reading. While taking a serious approach to the topic of mushrooms, he adds enough humor to, now and then, add a light note to the text. The book’s subtitle, The Love, Lore and Mystique of Mushrooms, nicely sums up what the author intends to offer the reader. The book contains an enriching mix of history, culture and scientific information
The opening chapters deal with cultural attitudes toward mushrooms. They focus on Russian and Slavic appreciation and passion for mushrooms and the contrasting distrust and fear of mushrooms that, for a long time, permeated the thinking in some cultures, Anglo-Americans among them.
There is a discussion of mushrooms as food. It features the famous “Fool- proof Four” This fungal foursome was promoted by American mycologist Clyde Christensen as very safe, easily identified species. The four include the Chanterelle, Sulfur Shelf, Shaggy Mane and the Puff ball. This section of the book presents excellent portraits of the four and also a thorough look at Boletus edulis (“King Bolete” in the USA), a mushroom well-known and happily consumed worldwide. Recipes are an added bonus in this portion of the book.
Coverage of the topic of mushroom poisoning provides detailed descriptions of those of major concern; the Amanitas, Paxillus and Galerina species, and the False Morel There is coverage of hallucinogenic species as well.
Marley also tackles the important matter of mushrooms’ role in the environment. There is comment, too, on the phenomenon of fairy rings and fungal luminescence. The potential for growing mushrooms in your garden is also considered.
This is a satisfying book. It treats its subjects with clarity and care. Readers will find real enlightenment in Marley’s detailed, well-crafted descriptions of the species featured in the book. Color photos are included.
rating *****
(reviewed by C. Mollen)
Greg Marley writes in an easy, flowing prose that makes for pleasurable reading. While taking a serious approach to the topic of mushrooms, he adds enough humor to, now and then, add a light note to the text. The book’s subtitle, The Love, Lore and Mystique of Mushrooms, nicely sums up what the author intends to offer the reader. The book contains an enriching mix of history, culture and scientific information
The opening chapters deal with cultural attitudes toward mushrooms. They focus on Russian and Slavic appreciation and passion for mushrooms and the contrasting distrust and fear of mushrooms that, for a long time, permeated the thinking in some cultures, Anglo-Americans among them.
There is a discussion of mushrooms as food. It features the famous “Fool- proof Four” This fungal foursome was promoted by American mycologist Clyde Christensen as very safe, easily identified species. The four include the Chanterelle, Sulfur Shelf, Shaggy Mane and the Puff ball. This section of the book presents excellent portraits of the four and also a thorough look at Boletus edulis (“King Bolete” in the USA), a mushroom well-known and happily consumed worldwide. Recipes are an added bonus in this portion of the book.
Coverage of the topic of mushroom poisoning provides detailed descriptions of those of major concern; the Amanitas, Paxillus and Galerina species, and the False Morel There is coverage of hallucinogenic species as well.
Marley also tackles the important matter of mushrooms’ role in the environment. There is comment, too, on the phenomenon of fairy rings and fungal luminescence. The potential for growing mushrooms in your garden is also considered.
This is a satisfying book. It treats its subjects with clarity and care. Readers will find real enlightenment in Marley’s detailed, well-crafted descriptions of the species featured in the book. Color photos are included.
rating *****
(reviewed by C. Mollen)
