Tuesday, October 15, 2024

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

    
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

33 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Another appealing pre-Christmas offering...! YAM xx

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  2. Wonderful review. Thank you. I am always amazed by the variety of beautiful mushrooms I see along my walks, especially when it's humid. I am always curious how people know which ones to forage and which are poisonous. The size, color, and shapes of the mushrooms are fascinating.

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    1. Some people don’t know and that’s a problem. A friend of mine, retired as a professor of biology is an expert mycologist, and is sometimes summoned to a hospital when mushroom poisoning is suspected. He has also acted as a witness in court, but then it’s likely intentional!


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  3. Another great book and review! Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  4. Nice review, David. People should learn more about mushrooms. Every year they pick the wrong mushrooms here in Norway and end up in hospital. Many of them need dialysis for the rest of their lives. It's tragic.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  5. Those Little Books are a step up from my Little Golden Books! I notice fewer fungi and almost no lichen this fall and wonder if our heatwaves affected them. Maybe they have off years.

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    1. In general there seem to be less, but in a few spots they were quite abundant. Air quality has quite a bit to do with it.

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  6. A very interesting book for those who like to collect mushrooms.
    A hug David

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  7. Sounds like all these little books are handy to carry around and full of information. :)

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  8. I would love to add this one to my book shelf...always want to learn about them..So I wouldn't feel lost when I see them in the woods.

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  9. What an interesting book and review, thanks David.

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  10. These little books have all sounded brilliant. And this is no exception. Each and every year someone who believes they know best dies from eating our death cap mushrooms - and they often take a friend or two with them.

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  11. Sounds like my kinda book David. I am such a novice regarding mushrooms, but the more I read about them the more they fascinate me. I also love taking photos of them and then spending time trying to identify them. There is something magical seeing mushrooms I think, then getting a good photo. Where I go my walks there is usually a lot to see. That is a sad thing you have left us to think about. Maybe the mushrooms will take over when we end up annihilating each other. Probably them and the cockroaches, they do well. I am sure they would make a better go of it than us anyway!

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  12. El distinguir los comestibles de los venenosos, solamente lo saben los especialistas en el tema.
    Un abrazo.

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  13. Another fun review..You have a tendency to make one want to read the book..I guess that is the purpose of a review ! Love that the book was posed with Fungi !

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  14. My granddaughter is really into fungi. And foraging. I bought her a couple of books for her 14th birthday.

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  15. These little books have all sounded so good - including this one!

    All the best Jan

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  16. Hi David, lovely theme that brings us closer to a natural world, essential and mysterious.

    Have a nice evening, friend!

    🍒🍄🌈🦋🦄✨

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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  17. Looks as if it's illustrated well. Interesting subject, fungi.

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  18. This seems like a good book to me David.
    I think mushrooms are very pretty, but buy them in the store, then I know for sure that it is good.
    Greetings Irma

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  19. Very enjoyable photos to go with your excellent book review. Thanks David!

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  20. What a great little book. I'd love to get a copy. Younger son studied mycology at Laurier, and somehow I managed to give the text book to the thrift shop when I was having a major clearout.... wish I still had it, fascinating subject.

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  21. Aprovecho para darte las gracias por tu comentario sobre nuestro amigo Richard, que Dios le tenga en su gloria. Un fuerte abrazo!!!!

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  22. I think I need ALL of these "little" books!

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  23. Our ecosystems are indeed challenged. Lovely illustrations. Have a great one.

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  24. Useful book.
    Very nice illustrations.

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  25. I think the size of these books is very useful, and fungi would also be a useful topic, at least for me. One of my former students specialized in mycology. He kept in touch for quite some time and then, as often happens, disappeared out into the big world. Hope you're having a nice week. hugs-Erika

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    1. It’s a terrific little book. Fungi are not easy, but anything worthwhile seldom is.

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  26. Thanks David for another fantastic review. This book is now on my list, to add to my other mushroom book that some fantastic guy gave me! Much love, Tracey

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    1. It's always a great pleasure to hear from you, Tracey. xo

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  27. Otro libro que me encanta. Un abrazo querido amigo David.

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