Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds

Author: George W. Hudler
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691207232
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 278

Book Description
Mushrooms magically spew forth from the earth in the hours that follow a summer rain. Fuzzy brown molds mischievously turn forgotten peaches to slime in the kitchen fruit bowl. And in thousands of other ways, members of the kingdom Fungi do their part to make life on Earth the miracle that it is. In this lively book, George Hudler leads us on a tour of an often-overlooked group of organisms, which differ radically from both animals and plants. Along the way the author stops to ponder the marvels of nature and the impact of mere microbes on the evolution of civilization. Nature's ultimate recyclers not only save us from drowning in a sea of organic waste, but also provide us with food, drink, and a wide array of valuable medicines and industrial chemicals. Some fungi make deadly poisons and psychedelic drugs that have interesting histories in and of themselves, and Hudler weaves tales of those into his scientific account of the nature of the fungi. The role of fungi in the Irish potato famine, in the Salem Witch Trials, in the philosophical writings of Greek scholars, and in the creation of ginger snaps are just a few of the many great moments in history to grace these pages. Hudler moves so easily from discussing human history to exploring scientific knowledge, all with a sense of humor and enthusiasm, that one can well understand why he is an award-winning teacher both at Cornell University as well as nationally. Few, for instance, who read his invitation to "get out of your chair and take a short walk" will ever again look without curiosity and admiration at the "rotten" part of the world around them. Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds is full of information that will satisfy history buffs, science enthusiasts, and anyone interested in nature's miracles. Everyone in Hudler's audience will develop a new appreciation of the debt they owe to the molds for such common products as penicillin, wine, and bread.

Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Moulds

Author: George W. Hudler
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 248

Book Description

The Fungal Pharmacy

Author: Robert Rogers
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583945954
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 609

Book Description
The ultimate guide to maximizing the healing properties of medicinal mushrooms and lichens—featuring over 300 detailed plant profiles for easy mushroom identification Noted herbalist Robert Rogers introduces readers to more than 300 species of medicinal mushrooms and lichens found in North America. These fungi have the capacity to heal both the body and—through the process of myco-remediation—the planet itself. Throughout the book, he documents their success in optimizing the immune system and treating a wide range of acute and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and liver problems, blood sugar disorders, cancer, and obesity. The Fungal Pharmacy also outlines the medicinal traits and unique properties of each mushroom or lichen, including: • active chemical components • preparation methods for extracts, essences, essential oils, and more • historical and modern-day usage • cultural, religious, and literary significance, with fun facts on etymology and history • plus, 200 full-color photos and thorough descriptions for easy identification The ultimate guide to identifying and healing with medicinal North American fungi, The Fungal Pharmacy is a valuable resource for mycologists, mushroom hunters, wild-crafters, and anyone interested in natural health care.

Common Interior Alaska Cryptogams

Author: Gary A. Laursen
Publisher: University of Alaska Press
ISBN: 1602231095
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
With Common Interior Alaska Cryptogams, Gary A. Laursen and Rodney Seppelt offer the first field guide to cryptogams of the Denali National Park and Preserve. Useful to both lay and professional investigators, this fully illustrated compendium covers mushroom fungi, lichenized fungi, lichenicolous fungi, slime molds, mosses, and liverworts. This field guide to commonly seen cryptogams will provide a basis for understanding their vast diversity of taxa, speciation, edibility, relative abundance, and utility, as well as the ecological roles played by these organisms.

Pocket Guide Mushrooms of South Africa

Author: Marieka Gryzenhout
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
ISBN: 1775847500
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 181

Book Description
Mushrooms are mysterious, beautiful organisms that appear in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes – from microscopic to over a metre wide. They are abundant worldwide, and South Africa alone has an estimated minimum of 171 500 species. This new edition of Pocket Guide: Mushrooms of South Africa features a selection of the species more commonly found in the region, and will enable enthusiasts to identify these mushrooms in the field. Each entry includes: full-colour photographs; informative accounts with distinguishing characteristics highlighted; edibility at a glance. Easy to use and compact, this guide will prove invaluable to foragers and nature lovers. Sales points: over 125 mushroom species; clear, full-colour photographs; concise information on habitat, distribution, size and characteristic features; edibility at a glance; handy, pocket-sized introduction to mushrooms.

Healing Mushrooms

Author: Georges M. Halpern
Publisher: Square One Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 0757051960
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 194

Book Description
This easy-to-use guide begins by describing how ancient cultures utilized mushrooms to combat disease. It then explains how modern science has refocused its attention on the healing properties of mushrooms and, along the way, discovered wonderful new properties. Included are chapters that examine the folklore, health benefits, and culinary uses of mushrooms, including detailed instructions for buying, storing, and using eight major varieties of this marvelous medicinal.

The Lives of Fungi

Author: Britt Bunyard
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691229848
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 289

Book Description
A fascinating and richly illustrated exploration of the natural history of fungi We know fungi are important, for us as well as the environment. But how they live, and what they can do, remains mysterious and surprising. Filled with stunning photographs, The Lives of Fungi presents an inside look into their hidden and extraordinary world. The wonders of fungi are myriad: a mushroom poking up through leaf litter literally overnight, or the sensational hit of umami from truffle shavings. Alexander Fleming cured infections with mold and spiritual guides have long used psychedelic mushrooms to enhance understanding. Then there are the tiny threads of fungi, called hyphae, that create a communications network for the natural world while decomposing organic matter. Combining engaging and accessible text with beautiful images, The Lives of Fungi lays out all the essential facts about fungi for the mycologically curious.

Art, Biology, and Conservation

Author: Robert John Koestler
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art
ISBN: 1588391078
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 574

Book Description
Despite the perception that artworks are timeless and unchanging, they are actually subject to biological attack from a variety of sources--from bacteria to fungi to insects. This groundbreaking volume, which publishes the proceedings of a conference held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2002, explores how the development of these organisms can be arrested while preserving both the work of art and the health of the conservator.The richly illustrated text, containing the writings of over 40 scientists and conservators, is divided into sections on stone and mural paintings, paper, textiles, wood and archaeological materials, treatment and prevention, and special topics. The artworks and cultural properties discussed include, among many others, Paleolithic cave paintings, Tiffany drawings, huts built by early Antarctic explorers, and a collection of toothbrushes taken from Auschwitz victims.

Psilocybin Mushroom Handbook

Author: G Nicholas
Publisher: Ed Rosenthal
ISBN: 0932551335
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 228

Book Description
This well-illustrated book allows anyone with common sense, a clean kitchen, and a closet shelf to grow bumper crops of mushrooms. Besides step-by-step guides to cultivating four species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, the book offers a wealth of additional information, including an introduction to mushroom biology, a resource guide for supplies, advice on discreetly integrating psychedelic mushrooms into outdoor gardens, and insights into the traditional use of psilocybins in sacred medicine. Also included are appendices with a summary of all included recipes.

The Little Book of Fungi

Author: Britt A. Bunyard
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691260141
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 160

Book Description
A charming, richly illustrated, pocket-size exploration of the world’s fungi Packed with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile any nature lover. Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, The Little Book of Fungi is an accessible and enjoyable mini-reference about the world’s fungi, with examples drawn from across the globe. It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from morphology, diversity, and reproduction to habitat and conservation. It also includes curious facts and a section on fungi in myths, folklore, and modern culture from around the world. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing lives of fungi. A beautifully designed pocket-size book with a foil-stamped cloth cover Features some 140 color illustrations and photos Makes a perfect gift