All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms [Paperback]

David Arora (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 1, 1991

Full-color illustrated guide to identifying 200 Western mushrooms by their key features.

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898153883
• ISBN-13: 978-0898153880
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.6 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Plants > Mushrooms

More About the Author

David Arora has taught micology for the last 15 years in California and has hunted and photographed mushrooms across the continent.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love of Mushrooms August 16, 2004

By Samuel Ley

Format:Paperback

I always appreciate reading something by a person who loves what they are writing about. It seems like all too often a book is written by someone who seems to know what they are talking about, but don't LOVE what they are talking about.

David Arora LOVES mushrooms! Not only that, he knows a LOT about them. This book is more than any other field guide I've owned. It allows for quick and easy identification of common mushrooms, which is important. However, it shows us the human side of the fungal world. Delicious recipes, stories of friends and funny anecdotes are sprinkled among hard facts. Colorful photos abound of both the mushrooms themselves, but also their happy finders. Old japanese men, young girls, cheerful bearded men and even a few happy dogs are all shown with glee at their find. Mushrooming is not something people do as a chore, its what they do as a passion.

The pleasure of finding something secret, something mysterious on the forest floor, something to fill you with earthen smells and primitive tastes. This pleasure practically drips from "All the Rain Promises and More..."

If you like mushrooms, or if you think maybe you WOULD like mushrooms, if you just got the right introduction, then this book is for you. If you already love mushrooms, then this book is a great pocket guide (nice pocket size, I carry mine all over), with clear photos, decisive identification criteria, and plenty of facts and interesting tidbits to make you nod knowingly, pleased at what you'll find after the fall rains.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An EXCELLENT Guide! (Even if you don't live in the West.) May 1, 2004

By Delaine Franklin

Format:Paperback

I eagerly waited for this book to arrive to me because of all the rave reviews I read about it. Then when I found out it was a guide for WESTERN mushrooms (extending to Colorado; I live in the Midwest) I thought, Crap, I'm gonna half to return it. But the more I kept browsing through it, the more I wasn't going to return it. I LOVE this book! This is a good read even if you don't live in the area it covers. Some of a species described in the book I have actually found in my area.
The photography is excellent, and many times show different angles of the 'shroom. The descriptions are very clear and easy to understand and extra comments, stories and some cooking suggestions are included. However, this guide doesn't include all of the species; it's only made to be an easy-to-carry field guide. I would suggest a more in-depth guide as a compliment to this one. I've heard good things about Mushrooms Demystified (same author), and I am so impressed with this book that I am going to buy it as well.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely essential! August 27, 2000

By "terryinphx"

Format:Paperback

This is the book you must have if you are even casually interested in wild mushrooms. I am replacing a copy that some cretin stole from me. It is a reader's digest version of the big book by David Arora that is also indispensable. Great photographs and very good descriptions of the most commonly encountered species. A nice touch of humor to make it more than just a reference. Don't miss this one!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable Field Guide November 30, 1999

By "terryinphx"

Format:Paperback

Absolutely the best pocket-sized reference around. I lost my copy (or it was stolen!) and am reordering another. Contains identification keys that are usable in the field (less dependence on spore prints and microscopic exams than some of the others). Great photos make field ID easy. It seems I nearly always find what I'm looking for in this little book. Don't leave home without it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a little rain never hurt anyone February 14, 2001

By michael o'brien

Format:Paperback

If anyone wants to learn about wild mushroom hunting/eating, this the best book one can get! After you read it, spend a little extra for mushrooms demystified. It's the answer to the answer.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Gettin' My Own Copy August 13, 2004

By D. Garcia

Format:Paperback

I borrowed the book from a co-worker and have found it to be an invaluable and extremely handy and easy to use field reference guide. The information is excellent and the photos are just as helpful. The Quick Key in the front and back of the book help the Identification process go quicker. I am hooked and have to get my own copy now!! Great for beginners like me!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book! VERY enjoyable and informative! September 28, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Lots of wonderful little stories, great photos, and clear, concise descriptions. A must-have for anyone who enjoys nature and especially loves mushies. Look for the recipes throughout the book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have mushroom identificaion guide August 5, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book is GREAT! A fantastic field guide, giving great pictures, stories, recepies, and more. Even covers some of the psilocybin species. This book is aimed at mushrooms in the western U.S. so if your elsewhere it may not be helpfull, but most of these species do grow all over the world so I don't think it matters much. A great book!