"This little book is big fun."—Michael Pollan

An illustrated mini-encyclopedia of fungal lore, from John Cage and Terence McKenna to mushroom sex and fairy rings

Fungipedia presents a delightful A–Z treasury of mushroom lore. With more than 180 entries—on topics as varied as Alice in Wonderland, chestnut blight, medicinal mushrooms, poisonings, Santa Claus, and waxy caps—this collection will transport both general readers and specialists into the remarkable universe of fungi.

Combining ecological, ethnographic, historical, and contemporary knowledge, author and mycologist Lawrence Millman discusses how mushrooms are much more closely related to humans than to plants, how they engage in sex, how insects farm them, and how certain species happily dine on leftover radiation, cockroach antennae, and dung. He explores the lives of individuals like African American scientist George Washington Carver, who specialized in crop diseases caused by fungi; Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit, who was prevented from becoming a professional mycologist because she was a woman; and Gordon Wasson, a J. P. Morgan vice-president who almost single-handedly introduced the world to magic mushrooms. Millman considers why fungi are among the most significant organisms on our planet and how they are currently being affected by destructive human behavior, including climate change.

With charming drawings by artist and illustrator Amy Jean Porter, Fungipedia offers a treasure trove of scientific and cultural information. The world of mushrooms lies right at your door—be amazed!

• Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

"The cultural encyclopedia of mushrooms that we need right now." - Literary Hub

"A delightful little introduction to the world of fungi. . . . a whimsical 184-page A-Z miscellany that could be slipped into your back pocket . . . even seasoned mycologists will here find things to entertain and enlighten them." - Inquisitive Biologist

"It could best be described as a light, whimsical, yet extremely knowledgeable dip into the world of mycology. . . . Whether you are interested in fungi or not, I think this book will appeal." - Essex Birding

"

I found this a delightful little book, a mini-encyclopaedia, hardback, and at just 4.5 × 6.75 ins,
easy to slip into a pocket and dip in and out of on a bus or metro journey. An ideal Christmas stocking-filler for both mycologists, whether “amateur” or “professional”, and inquisitive naturalists.

"We enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it wholeheartedly to those eager to have a delightful entrée into the world of fungi." - Life: The Excitement of Biology