> "Mushrooms Demystified" is a virtual encyclopedia of the macrofungi of North America with descriptions of over 2000 species, with probably 5000 species mentioned in the keys.
> TAXONOMIC KEYS -- Because of the extensive coverage, the many keys in MD are actually useful (unlike the keys in most guidebooks). Most "taxonomical keys" are artificial and incomplete, which means that, practically speaking, they are usually more misleading than useful. The keys in most guidebooks cover less than 20% of the species in the area that they allegedly cover. The keys in MD are sufficiently complete, for all parts of the US to be useful for perhaps 80% of the species you are likely to encounter, anywhere. But the keys are best used only when you want to separate two or several very similar species.
> Many (perhaps most) species with full entries, do not have accompanying photos. For the species with photos, most of the photos are black and white. The black and white photos are printed in low contrast on matte, dull paper, so the black and white photos do not show the detail that they could. The relatively small collection of 217 color photos (in the middle of the book) are high quality, but are mostly Pacific coast species.
> MD is correspondingly relatively weak on tropical or subtropical macrofungi (albeit MD actually contains more information about subtropical and tropical species than do most “southeastern” oriented guidebooks, or eastern temperate oriented guidebooks).
> Unfortunately, MD is dated (the first edition was published in 1979). Therefore many names have been changed, lumped, and/or split, and new genera (and higher taxa) have been created.
> The descriptions of species use mycological terminology, but not hyper-condensed and absurdly obscure jargon — that is, the terminology is usually readily comprehensible (especially with a little experience).
> MD includes much supporting material, such as descriptions of genera and higher taxa --- which becomes more important as you become more experienced. With 7000 or so species, you've got to have a pretty good idea of the taxonomy of "your mushroom" before you start.
> MD includes extensive comparative notes about related and/or similar species, as well as very useful hints about how to separate similar taxa. You'll find large groups of fungi which you will not see in ANY other guidebook. DM also includes diagrams of mushroom components and a short glossary.
> MD is not ideal when “browsing” for species which look like your mushroom. It is most useful as a reference to confirm a preliminary identification (which you've presumably made by browsing a good regional mushroom guide). You need to be pretty sure what you've got before you open MD.
> The only comparable resource is Michael Kuo's webpages. Google "Kuo genus species" ["genus species" being the genus and/or species that you are seeking more information about].
> “Mushrooms Demystified” is an apt title. Now, if only someone can bring it up-to-date, extend the coverage southward and eastward, and add more color photos — Well, I can dream!
MY EXPERIENCE
> “Mushrooms Demystified” was the first mushroom book I ever purchased, but I was immediately frustrated with it, and so, almost forgotten, it collected dust on a bookshelf for several years. Only years later when I was unable to confidently identify a dozen or so species of mushrooms using all of the regional guides available (and some more esoteric sources), that in desperation I dusted off “Mushrooms Demystified”, and discovered it's true value.
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About the author
The book to buy after you’ve learned all the common mushrooms
I put off buying this book for some time, as I accumulated smaller and less expensive field guides that I could slip into a pocket or bag. Eventually, though, I realized that not every mushroom I found or photographed could be identified from those books. I ordered this book, and it arrived today- all 960 pages of it.It’s a big book, and it’s mostly text, though it does have 217 color plates and somewhat more black and white photos of varying quality. But what makes this so valuable to the mushroom enthusiast is the text. Using identification keys similar to those used in various plant identification handbooks, Arora leads your through a game of twenty questions, identifying and narrowing down candidates by physical features. Is it gilled? How big is it? Where is it found? What color are the spores?This is probably not the first, or even the second or third book the prospective mushroom hunter or photographer should buy. But once you’ve mastered the most common ones, and are starting to find mushrooms that don’t seem to appear in any of your guidebooks… it’s time to buy Mushrooms Demystified.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
It’s a big book, and it’s mostly text, though it does have 217 color plates and somewhat more black and white photos of varying quality. But what makes this so valuable to the mushroom enthusiast is the text. Using identification keys similar to those used in various plant identification handbooks, Arora leads your through a game of twenty questions, identifying and narrowing down candidates by physical features. Is it gilled? How big is it? Where is it found? What color are the spores?
This is probably not the first, or even the second or third book the prospective mushroom hunter or photographer should buy. But once you’ve mastered the most common ones, and are starting to find mushrooms that don’t seem to appear in any of your guidebooks… it’s time to buy Mushrooms Demystified.
The book to buy after you’ve learned all the common mushrooms
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
I put off buying this book for some time, as I accumulated smaller and less expensive field guides that I could slip into a pocket or bag. Eventually, though, I realized that not every mushroom I found or photographed could be identified from those books. I ordered this book, and it arrived today- all 960 pages of it.Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
It’s a big book, and it’s mostly text, though it does have 217 color plates and somewhat more black and white photos of varying quality. But what makes this so valuable to the mushroom enthusiast is the text. Using identification keys similar to those used in various plant identification handbooks, Arora leads your through a game of twenty questions, identifying and narrowing down candidates by physical features. Is it gilled? How big is it? Where is it found? What color are the spores?
This is probably not the first, or even the second or third book the prospective mushroom hunter or photographer should buy. But once you’ve mastered the most common ones, and are starting to find mushrooms that don’t seem to appear in any of your guidebooks… it’s time to buy Mushrooms Demystified.
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Amazon Customer
A must for all Mushroom lovers (both amateur and professional )
Reviewed in India on July 6, 2019Dave Bainbridge
intactness of delivered purchase
Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2024
