Smithsonian Handbooks: Mushrooms: H

by Thomas Laessoe, Thomas Laesse, Gary Lincoff Written and researched by mycologists, the latest in the series is a quintessential guide to hundreds of mushrooms. (There are an estimated 1.5 million species worldwide and only about 80,000 have been documented.) Each entry includes a meticulous description, along with detailed color photographs and artwork showing each species in its natural habitat. There are color-coded bands providing data on fruiting season, size, spore deposit, edibility, and color. Identification is made easier by the organization of mushrooms by shape, with major categories subdivided by such characteristics as gill arrangement or flesh type. This highly informative pocket guide contains 2,300 color photographs and illustrations of more than 500 species of mushrooms. A reader: 'Each type of mushroom or fungus has its own half page section. The sections have a large and vivid pictures of the species. Did I mention that the pictures are incredible? Usually sections have supporting pictures such as top views and gill views of the mushrooms. It also gives species information, season availability, and dimensions in centimeters of the cap and the stem. The discussion in the section gives written information on description, occurrence, and similar species.' A reader: 'Excellent! This is the best mushroom field guide I have ever seen. This book shows sharp photos of each mushroom, as well as photos in cross section and of the underside. Photos are not of the mushroom in its natural habitat, but are on a white background, so each photo is well focused and well lit. Also includes a tiny photo or drawing of the mushroom in its natural habitat. Comprehensive-includes mushrooms that don't appear in my other two books. Mushrooms listed both by scientific and by popular names. Extremely conservative in the 'shrooms that it classifies as edible. Book is designed for the beginner (''What is a Mushroom?'') as well as the advanced (spore chart). The quality of the book itself is very high; it is printed on excellent paper and stays open to a page when needed. It appears to be well bound and I think the paperback cover will look good even after many trips in the backpack.' Paperback - 256 pages

Mushrooms Demystified: H

A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi by David Arora Nothing is more elusive and mysterious than the wild mushroom. David Arora celebrates the gathering and study of wild mushrooms with engaging style, wit and simple terminology. Mushrooms Demystified includes descriptions, photographs, and keys to over 2,000 species. There is a Beginner's Checklist of the 70 most distinctive and common mushrooms plus detailed chapters on terminology, classification, habitats, mushroom cookery, mushroom toxins, and the meanings of scientific mushroom names. A reader: 'This is the be-all and end-all of mushroom books! Truly an encyclopedia of mushroom facts and lore, lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs, literally everything you need to know about mushrooms, edible or not. Arora has taught mycology for close to twenty years and has hunted and photographed mushrooms across the North American continent. Threaded through the book are his wry and humorous observations and comments, making what could have been a rather dull, ''just-the-facts, ma'am'' reference book into a really enjoyable read. The stunning photographs of the incredible variety of fungi are fascinating and eye-opening, and while the author gives clear and factual information, the mysterious allure of mushrooms in their countless shapes, sizes and colors is only increased by this huge and delightful book.' Paperback - 1020 pages, 6x9