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Mushroom collecting is becoming increasingly popular, and while a comprehensive identification guide is essential, the folklore, facts and fables, recipes and stories that have accumulated since ancient times create part of the charm of these strange organisms. Oddly, these facts have never been compiled in one book.Collins Mushroom Miscellany is a compilation of all of the fascinating biological facts – a mushroom holds the record for the largest spreading single organism covering nearly 3km2 – the folklore – there is a widespread belief that mushrooms arise from falling stars – the uses – tree moss lichen is found in most modern perfumes – and the history – the Neolithic Ice-Man found in Europe in 1990 carried two types of fungus; one for use as tinder, but another mounted on a leather thong remains undecided.Additionally, the book features the most widely used recipes for cooking mushrooms from around the world.Mushroom Miscellany is a veritable treasure trove of fascinating facts – a perfect introduction to the third kingdom of fungi and an essential companion to every mushroom field guide.
This book investigates the intersection of biological science, cultural history, and culinary tradition surrounding the kingdom of fungi. Author Patrick Harding, a noted mycologist, synthesizes diverse strands of information—ranging from ancient folklore and historical artifacts to modern biological records—to provide a comprehensive cultural and scientific overview of mushrooms. By moving beyond simple identification, the text establishes a broader framework for understanding the role of fungi in human history and daily life.
What You Will Find
The text serves as a specialized, accessible companion to standard field guides, offering a dense collection of trivia and historical context. Its focus on the cultural and practical applications of fungi provides a well-rounded perspective for both amateur foragers and natural history enthusiasts.
Page Count:
208
Publication Date:
2014-10-02
Publisher:
HarperCollins UK
ISBN-10:
0007596685
ISBN-13:
9780007596683
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