United States
£ GBP
This book is a large (A4-size) photographic reference guide to the mushrooms and toadstools of parks, gardens, heaths and woodlands of Great Britain and Europe. Though the vast majority of fungi illustrated in this book have been recorded from, and can be encountered in the Greater London Area, many species appear in urban areas across Britian.
Over 750 species are described and photographed in full colour, many including photographs of microscopic details. The description with each entry gives scientific nomenclature, including synonyms where applicable, and the vernacular name; a short description of the typical habitat; a description of the macroscopic features, such as the cap, gills, stem, ring, flesh, and the mushroom's smell and taste; a description of microscopic features, such as spores, spore print, basidia and cystidia; and a section with notes on confusion species or unique features. Several families feature a full-page general introduction. The introductory chapters cover the classification, identification and biology of fungi, with a helpful pictorial key to the main groups of fungi.
This book is an essential tool for those working within conservation and ecology of urban environments, and for both beginners and seasoned field mycologists.
"Fungi is sure to appeal to a broad range of forayers, no matter how expert. It will be required reading for anyone interested in the fungi of the LNHS area for many years to come. It is Overall's masterwork and both this book and Kibby are essential references, must-haves on the bookshelves for many. London naturalists and those who prefer photographs to help them identify wildlife may well find themselves turning to this one first."
– Keir Mottram, The London Naturalist 97, 2018
"[...] This book is a tremendous shop window for wild mushrooms and their allies. The photos, all taken in the field by the author, are among the very best in print, a showcase of fungal beauty and diversity. I cannot decide which I would rather have: this one, or Kibby’s masterwork. The answer, I fear, is both."
– Peter Marren, British Wildlife 29(3), February 2018
