Book Review - The Little Book of Fungi - Princeton University Press

 

     I was considerably impressed with the first four books in the "Little Book" series, so I was delighted to receive the latest offering. My pleasure was enhanced when noting Britt Bunyard as the author, having benefitted greatly from his brilliant earlier work, The Lives of Fungi.

     Fungi seem to have been receiving their fair share of attention over the last few years, with continued exploration of their functions, consequences and prescriptive values in human health, as well as a close scrutiny of their role in healthy, functioning ecosystems. Wild mushrooms, of course, have always been cherished for their culinary value.

     Furthermore, the opportunity for citizen science has been expanded greatly, a fact to which Bunyard alludes. In fact, given the dire shortage of trained mycologists and taxonomists, citizen science is destined to fill an ever more comprehensive and important role in mycological research. Nothing fires up a team of volunteer naturalists, impassioned and committed, as the knowledge that they can make a valuable contribution to science, and receive recognition for their efforts.

     Tugce Okay has been retained as illustrator for all eight volumes in this suite of books, and her artwork is a thing of beauty. It is always a joy to turn a page and be overtaken with pleasure at her delicate renderings.

     The book opens by providing a clear understanding of what fungi are, and how they differ from other eukaryotes, and continues on to explore the science of these organisms, their role, function, strategies for survival, symbiosis, and threats in the future. Potential impacts to humans, especially to domestic crops, could be catastrophic. The more we understand fungi the better equipped we will be to channel their unique properties to ensure that they - and we - both survive. 

     The science is presented clearly and succinctly, and even someone with little or no knowledge of fungi  can very quickly become informed. As is always the case, knowledge is everything, and at the end of every page your knowledge will have expanded a little.

      The final third of the book is a little lighter in content, exploring gastronomic options (including how to avoid unintentional suicide), the history of mushrooms in mythology, the psychedelic varieties to ensure vivid dreams, and many other fun facts.

     The book is portable, slipping easily into a purse or pocket, and nestles conveniently into the glove compartment of your car. It is an invaluable resource to have with you when you are out exploring nature, and when your interest is fired up, (as it certainly will be), you are directed to other resources to expand your knowledge. A glossary will remind you of the meaning of the specialized terminology that has momentarily slipped your mind.

     Sadly, scientists today are unable to ignore the dangers of extinction in the Anthropocene. Bunyard states, "Our planet's ecosystems are becoming less diverse, less complex and are falling apart as, one by one, their constituent species are lost." When all is said and done maybe fungi will be the grand survivors of it all.
     I recommend the book highly. Enjoy it! Learn from it! I know you will

The Little Book of Fungi - Princeton University Press

Britt A. Bunyard

Hardback - $15.95 USD - ISBN: 9780691259888

160 pages - 3.75 x 6 inches (9.375 x 15 cm)

140 colour illustrations

Publication date: 22 October, 2024