Mushrooms

This accessible and well laid out guide to mushrooms is an ideal entry-level guide for people with an interest in fungi or anyone who enjoys the outdoors and might want to learn more about this aspect of it. The book is divided into two sections - one for edible mushrooms, and one for toxic ones. There are general sections interspersed about topics like the use of mushrooms in medicine and cooking, and advice on how to go foraging. However there are regular disclaimers throughout stressing the importance of not eating mushrooms unless totally certain of the identification and not relying just on this book.

Each mushroom type has lovely photographs and labelled pictures, and a small amount of written information such as the type of environment they grow in and the countries/regions they might be found in. I'd hoped for a bit more detail about good locations to find particular mushrooms in the UK and elsewhere, but the advantage of this presentation is that it can be used by anyone anywhere to find mushrooms in their own local area.

It's probably too basic for people who are already experienced in foraging or mushroom identification but it's great for anyone new to it and would make a nice gift.

Liz O'Keefe's book "Mushrooms" is solely responsible for now giving me a complete and utter fascination with these varied and functional fungi. From the essential contribution of mushroom decomposition ot our eco-systems to uses by NASA to create homes for use in space, these quiet little organisms are powerhouses

The most important phrase in the book is of course "If in doubt, leave it out" as O'Keefe takes us through a fascinating journey of Mushrooms as food and medicine, the different types and uses and which ones you really, really need to stay far, far away from

There are stunning pictures, covering more than just your oyster mushrooms, chanterelles and trompettes. I was utterly captivated to learn about the Scarlet Elf Cap, Slippery Jack, Lilac Coloured Wood Blewit, Puffball and Parasol. I mean, with names like that, what is not to love?

I really enjoyed the section on Mushrooms in folklore (especially as Alice in Wonderland is my favourite book of all time) and the section on contemporary uses for mushrooms, such as an eco-friendly leather and growing bricks.

This book is phenomenal!

Edit - This book is so good, that I have been raving about it to my bestie and I have the ppb on pre-order for release day!

Thank you to Netgalley, Amber Books Ltd and Liz O'Keefe for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Mushrooms are super cool, and this book had so many cool pictures and good info on them. I want to try each kind and see how the tastes are.