Customer Reviews

Field Guide to the Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania And the Mid-atlantic (Keystone Book)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was able to meet the author of this book. I found both the book and the author very helpful. Bill has been hunting mushrooms all his life, and actually Penn State Press came to him to write this book and with good reason. The book has great photos and useful descriptions that are useful for the novice mushroom hunters, but plenty helpful for the experinced too. The author also give mushroom walks. I can't wait to go on one.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" and editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

As a PA resident, I found this book invaluable. It is clearly written, and has great photos as well. Anyone intersted in mushrooms should... make that must, have several references, but if you live in this part of the world this is the first book to look at! Other books I've read are not always clear as to a specific mushroom's distribution. I know the fungi in this book are found here, and that focus makes identification so much easier.

It is a wonderful book. Lots of color photographs and packed with detailed descriptions of mushrooms. The field guide allows the reader to identify mushrooms that are common to the Mid Atlantic, but also the Eastern United States. Included are many tasty recipes that make mushroom hunting the joy that it is. It is an essential guide for both amateur and professional alike.

I first ordered "Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians" (the Paperback), which is a great book. Then found this one and since I'm in Southwestern Pa and have been picking mushrooms for over 50 years, figured it would be another good one to add to my collection, and it's just that! So, now I've got it and have to say, it's an awesome resource to aid in safely picking those delectable little rascals throughout the year.

As a beginning mushroom hunter, I was looking for a book that describes mushrooms I may find in my area. This book fits the bill. The author's advice is good concerning safety, from what I can tell. With this book, and various YouTube videos, and other web sites, I can be confident about at least a few species of mushroom. However, I will take the author's advice, and get at least one more field guide before I branch out beyond a very few, easily identifiable mushrooms.This book is not an end-all, be-all book on mushrooms; nor was it intended to be. But if you live in the mid-atlantic region, it is a valuable addition to your library.

Added May 3, 2011: I ate my first wild-harvested mushrooms a few days ago. Those "inkies" were pretty good. A friend says that the morels are starting to come out. I can't wait!

About my first harvest... I almost gave up. I was 3/4 home when I saw a patch of "inkies". What a rush! The book is very clear and helpful. Half the people I talk with about mushrooms think I'm nuts because of the dangers. Do your homework. Get this book(and others), and enjoy the bounty!

I am so glad I bought this book. I bought three different mushroom books and this one is by far my favorite. I love that it's specific to PA, and the colorful humour throughout the book makes it a pleasure to read. The pictures are clear and the descriptions are very helpful. This book gives me confidence as a beginning mushroomer, and makes me more apt to experiment with tasting a few new mushrooms (I have only tried Sulfur Shelf), where I usually just observe and photograph them. This book goes on my list of favorites!

This is the greatest book! If your just new to mushrooming the pictures and information about each mushroom is top notch. I purchased mine last year and liked it so much I bought another for a gift!!!!

Excellent field guide for beginners and advanced mushroom enthusiasts alike. Mr. William (Bill) Russell has included a lot of beautiful photographs to help ID the various types and includes some wonderful and witty comments. A lot of mushroom recipes as well. There is even a Kindle Edition, which is what I purchased. Remember, never eat any wild mushroom you are unsure of. Bill and other mushroom experts are available to help. Also check your local area for Mushroom Clubs/Groups, they will be more than happy to assist you in your mushroom hunting efforts. Even if you are just interested in seeing mushrooms in the wild or taking pics of same this book will help you.

extremely helpful. I have picked wild mushrooms for 50+ years and it has helped considerably.

I like the way this book is written. Author shares his experiences in a way that you just can't put it down. Book has alternative opinions on some mushrooms that other guides would render inedible because they're related to a certain type where there's a deadly mushroom present or just resemble one. It doesn't encompass all the edible mushrooms in Pennsylvania, rather a small amount, but, still I find myself reading this book over and over again.