Looking For A Pocket Fungi Book For A Christmas Present

Fazza · #1 (**permalink**) 27-11-2011, 10:30 PM

Just recently my Dad has started to pick mushrooms that he has come across whilst he goes on his daily walk around Wicksteed Park in Kettering.

He got started when he spotted someone foraging around in one of the fields. He approached the bloke and enquired what he was up to and he told him he was picking some mushrooms for his dinner that evening!

It seems that mushroom picking is taken quite seriously around here as my Dad was warned off of picking the mushrooms from this spot and was told to find his own! So that's exactly what he's been doing by reading books on the subject and using the internet to find out more.

He doesn't want to take his large books with him on his walks so has asked for a pocket book/guide for Christmas so I was hoping that someone on here would be able to recommend one?

Thank you.

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 12:32 AM

Hello Fazzo,

You must realise by now we do not discuss edibility of fungi on this forum, but I will advise your Dad that unless on private land, fungi are there for all comers, first come, first serve ! But please try to persuade your Dad to enjoy the marvel of fungi as they only show for a brief moment of time and come in all shapes, sizes, colours and smells.

Neil.

Kayleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 01:16 PM

It depends on your pockets I have 2 very good books the Collins wild guide Mushrooms and toadstools and a little bigger though not too big to carry is the Blacks Nature guides Mushrooms and toadstools of Britain and Europe.

Please read this..

Is my fungus edible or psychotic requests

I strongly advise your dad to get himself on a course so he knows as much about the subject as possible and never rely on the web or photos as his only source on information.

Fazza · #4 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the replies!

He's not after a book to tell him if they're edible or not just one so he can identify them.

Now he's seen a couple of them growing on his walks he's started to see them everywhere so wants to know what they are.

It's a bit like when you get a different car you suddenly start seeing them everywhere - they've actually always been there but you've just not noticed them!

fairplay · #5 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 06:14 PM

In that case I can only suggest the Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms by Sterry & Hughes, or wait until March when Steffan Bucsacki's new book is due out.

Ditiola · #6 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 06:44 PM

Hi

A while ago someone on WAB posted this useful link to book reviews:

Reviews of Books on Identifying Fungi

Peter

solus · #7 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

... or wait until March when Steffan Bucsacki's new book is due out.

I wouldn't hold your breath for that one - it was supposed to be published a couple of years ago!

Lancashire Lad · #8 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solus

I wouldn't hold your breath for that one - it was supposed to be published a couple of years ago!

Harper Collins' Latest info on publication date for the UK is 12th April 2012. (This is about the 10th revised date that I'm aware of.

). - But it should be well worth having when it does finally get released.

Also worth noting that the new version of Marcel Bon's book "The Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain & North-West Europe" - (which had also been on the cards for several years, with many revised publication dates having been issued) - has apparently, once and for all, been cancelled.

Of the ones currently available, as a one off book, I'd go for the Sterry & Hughes Collins Complete Guide.

Regards,
Mike.