Big Picture Press ISBN 9781787415355 £20
This is an absolutely stunning book. The large pages of this robust hardback offer mesmerising detailed artwork together with information presented in an accessible way. Ester Gaya is a senior research leader at Kew and an expert on fungi. Katie Scott’s sumptuous illustrations draw you in to the mysterious world of fungi. We are introduced to a wide variety of fungi and learn about their importance to us and our world. I was especially interested in the bracket fungi which have been used by humans since ancient times. One species was found with Ötzi the Iceman, a mummified prehistoric man found in Europe’s Ötztal Alps. It is thought that he might have been carrying it as tinder. Some fungi are eaten, others are poisonous. Some are used in wonder drugs like penicillin, immunosuppressants and statins. The book is over 80 pages and it is a wonderful introduction to fungi and their importance to the world’s ecosystem. Get a copy, and be entranced!
Brenda Marshall