Collins Fungi Guide

The sixth title in the bestselling Collins Guide series, this book covers the fungi of the British Isles, with considerable relevance for Europe and the wider temperate world.

Every species is illustrated in colour, directly opposite the species description, with illustrations of young and mature fruiting bodies where necessary. Nearly 2,400 species are illustrated in full colour, with detailed notes on how to correctly identify them, with details of similar, confusing species also given to further ensure correct identification. Written by one of Europe's leading mycologists, Stefan Buczacki, and illustrated by two of the world's leading natural history illustrators, Christopher Shields and Denys Ovenden, this is the ultimate fungi guide for both amateur and experienced mycologists alike.

Mushroom collecting is becoming increasingly popular, and while a comprehensive identification guide is essential, the folklore, facts and fables, recipes and stories that have accumulated since ancient times create part of the charm of these strange organisms. Oddly, these facts have never been compiled in one book.

This is the most comprehensive field guide to mushrooms ever published. With descriptions of over 3,000 species that can be identified with the naked eye, this book is all the reader will need to correctly identify any fungus.

'How to Identify Edible Mushrooms' describes all the edible species of mushroom, together with those with which they may be confused. Organised by habitat for easy reference, it is beautifully illustrated and includes the best ways to cook and eat the mushrooms you collect.Main species are illustrated in their relevant habitat, and key features are described in detail. 'Lookalikes' are shown alongside the main species, and additional illustrations indicate how they differ.Calendar bars indicating at what time of year you can expect to see each mushroom along with an annotated cross-section giving accurate measurements make identification easier.

Collins Bird Guide provides all the information needed to identify any species at any time of the year, with detailed text on size, habitat, range, identification and voice. Accompanying every species entry is a distribution map and illustrations showing the species in all the major plumages (male, female, immature, in flight, at rest, feeding)."