The New Savory Wild Mushroom

by Margaret McKenny, Daniel E. Stuntz, Joseph F. Ammirati

Book Overview

"He hunts only at the crack of dawn and wears his shirt inside out. To ask why is to ask why fire burns. His credo may be stated thus: he has sworn an oath to keep his mushroom patches secret and to find and to poach on the patches of other hunters. When mushrooms are the prize, the scope of all his aspirations is narrowed to these two goals. Though in all else he may be as Saintly as St. Francis, in the pursuit of these ends he is more Satanic than Satan. He will betray his nearest and dearest without the slightest twitch of flesh or spirit. He is amoral."--Definition of a mushroom hunter by Angelo Pellegrini This classic field guide answers the amateur mycologist's two most important questions: "What is it?" and "Is it good to eat?" Color photographs illustrate 199 species of mushrooms ranging from boletes to puffballs, chantrelles to truffles. Full descriptions clearly identify the edible or poisonous qualities of each.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0295964804
• ISBN13: 9780295964805
• Release Date: May 1987
• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The New Savory Wild Mushroom

This is an excellent and sometimes difficult to find mushroom book. We live in the mountains of Eastern Oregon where mushrooms abound. We purchased our first copy of this book in 1991 and have referred to it during the Spring, Summer and Fall months on an annual basis. The book's illustrations are clear,colorful and of good size. We especially appreciate the descriptions listed below each photo, that assist in identification. Additional information includes the most common locations for each species to be found and final recommendation for the consumption or the avoidance of a particular mushroom, which of course is crucial knowledge for any mushroom hunter.

Exceptional and Updated!

The 5 Star rating is due to the fact I live in the geographical area that this book is focused toward. (Pacific NW) It gives very clear descriptions and key indicators that help in determining which mushrooms are edible, as well as information regarding those that are not. It explains toxicity, advises about being careful with certain fungi, and informs greatly! I do wish Margaret was still with us, but am pleased that the book was updated by her colleague.

excellent resource for Northwestern pot pickers

The photography in this book is excellent. The book is keyed to the Pacific Northwest, so those who live in or visit the area will find it very easy to use. The descriptors are clear especially concerning edibility. The book fits nicely into a day pack for all you hikers out there. I would highly recomend this book, it is probably one of the best books out there!