Author Description

Mushroom Mania: Facts and Fiction: Hope or Hype from author Denis Benjamin, follows his previous landmark book on the health effects of mushrooms, Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas (W.H. Freeman and Co. NY 1996), by updating and expanding critical new information. Interest in fungi by the general public has burgeoned in the past two decades. This so-called 'shroom boom' has been accompanied by a host of misunderstandings. This book aims to dispel some of the newly created myths and erroneous beliefs surrounding mushrooms with carefully researched information in addition to personal stories, observations, and humor. Much of the information is not available in any other current publication. It includes an update on the nutritional characteristics of mushrooms, recent additions to the compendium of toxic mushrooms, and a critical review of the purported health benefits. Complementing the scientific information, which was carefully curated are engaging anecdotes, satire, and stories about foraging, gastronomy, and poisoning. He expresses unbridled skepticism around many of the unsupported marketing claims relating to mushrooms' health benefits. This book will appeal to a broad readership, including nature enthusiasts, mycophiles, scientists and physicians, and all those curious about mushrooms. It is a captivating journey into the fascinating world of mushrooms, where myth meets science.