United States
£ GBP
A comprehensive guide to lichens and lichenology. At the core of the book are over 700 species descriptions lavishly illustrated to show many of the tiny features used to identify lichens. Two volumes allow easy use in the lab or to carry in the field. Volume 1 covers biology, ecology, descriptions of crustose species and Cladonia; volume 2 gives descriptions of foliose, fruticose, filamentous, squamulose, and lichenicolous species, as well as microscopy techniques, and a short history of lichenology.
Features:
- Detailed descriptions with emphasis on identification traits, spot tests and ecology
- Lichen anatomy and glossaries to aid in identification
- Lichen ecology to understand how they fit into the landscape
- Equipment for observing and collecting lichens
- UV light and spot tests - including the latest techniques
- Conservation pointers
- Visual keys to the main groups of crustose, foliose, fruticose and Cladonia
- Primer in microscopy for beginner lichenologists
- Cutting sections for microscopic examination
- Staining techniques to enhance contrast
- Microscopic anatomy of lichens, spore types, tissue types
- Micrographs of sections and squashes as used in identification of difficult species
- Introduction to Lichenicolous fungi and descriptions
- A short history of lichenology looking at the emergence of lichens as fungi
- Lichen as the subjects of art
- Index of species with common synonyms
- Bibliography and general references
Paul Whelan is a lichenologist who has worked on lichens since 2009 and is the author of several natural history books and co-author of The Wild Food Plants of Ireland (Curtis & Whelan).
"[...] There is so much contained within these two volumes – a compendium of lichens and lichenology – that it is difficult to know what to leave in or leave out of this review. The emphasis is on identification, but so many other sections provide useful backup, helpful information and tips. [...] do these two lavishly illustrated volumes contribute significantly to the stable of lichen identification guides? I would say emphatically, ‘Yes’. These works are produced to a high standard and are truly inspirational, and a delight to possess. They will enthuse and encourage. There is a tremendous excitement about discovering lichens, and the delight in settling down, poring over your specimen and searching for a name through available publications has just been enriched with these volumes."
– Sandy Coppins, British Wildlife 36(3), December 2024
"Lichens of Ireland & Great Britain presents detailed scientific information in a beautiful visual format, complemented by stunning macrophotography and micrographs. It succeeds in opening up a whole world of diversity that has until now remained largely hidden to all but a few specialists. The volumes will make an enormous contribution to a better understanding of lichen ecology on these islands."
– Liam Lysaght, Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ireland
"An outstanding two-volume set with clear descriptions and well-annotated images exposing important identification features. There is much clear and invaluable advice on microscope techniques that will help naturalists of every level become confident and skilled in the identification of lichens."
– Matthew Jebb, Director, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin
"One of the most important nature books to be published in Ireland in many years."
– Mooney Goes Wild, RTE Radio 1
