Best Mushrooms in Biological Sciences Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Mushrooms have been the subject of many biological sciences books due to their unique characteristics and diverse uses. From their role in decomposing organic matter to their potential in medicine and food, mushrooms have captured the attention of scientists and researchers alike. Some species of mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, while others have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Additionally, mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world and have become a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets. Overall, mushrooms continue to fascinate and inspire scientific inquiry and exploration.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms Cover #TOP 1
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms
ftb score rating icon 9.9
The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms Cover #TOP 2
The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms Cover #TOP 3
Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Mushrooms in Biological Sciences Books

Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms

Stamets, Paul
Ten Speed Press
Oct 25, 2000
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms Cover
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms

"Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms" is a comprehensive guide for growing and using gourmet and medicinal mushrooms commercially or at home. With precise growth parameters for thirty-one mushroom species, this book includes gardening tips, state-of-the-art production techniques, tasty mushroom recipes, and an invaluable troubleshooting guide. The author, Paul Stamets, is a renowned mycologist and founder of Fungi Perfecti. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in mycology, whether as a hobby or commercially. It is well-written, informative, and filled with beautiful photographs and illustrations. Overall, it is an excellent resource for anyone looking to start growing mushrooms or expand their knowledge in the field."

The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms

Mandrake PhD, Dr. K
Haze, Virginia
Green Candy Press
Nov 15, 2016
The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms Cover
The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms

The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible is an extensive guide to growing and using magic mushrooms. Written by Virginia Haze and Dr. K Mandrake, the book covers every step of the cultivation process, from sterilizing equipment to consuming the mushrooms safely. With over 40 step-by-step photographic guides, readers can learn how to produce high-quality mushrooms quickly and effectively. The book also includes a detailed history and botany of psilocybin mushrooms, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of their prevalence throughout human history. Overall, The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible is an excellent resource for anyone interested in growing and using magic mushrooms.

Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms

Richard, Sara
Mar 28, 2023
Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms Cover
Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms

The Midnight Magic tarot deck takes a unique approach to traditional tarot archetypes by using mushrooms as the central theme. The deck features 78 beautifully illustrated cards, each depicting a different mushroom species and its corresponding tarot archetype. The artwork is ethereal and magical, reflecting the hidden power and wonder of the woods. The creator, Sara Richard, is an Eisner and Ringo Award-nominated artist whose love for mushrooms and the natural world inspired this deck. Whether you're a seasoned mushroom hunter or simply looking to add a touch of earthy magic to your tarot practice, this deck is a must-have.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)

National Audubon Society
Knopf
Dec 12, 1981
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides) Cover
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)

The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms is a must-have for any mushroom enthusiast. The guide features over 700 full-color identification photographs, organized visually by color and shape. Each species is accompanied by a detailed physical description, information on edibility, season, habitat, range, look-alikes, alternative names, and facts on edible and poisonous species, uses, and folklore. The supplementary section on cooking and eating wild mushrooms, and illustrations identifying the parts of a mushroom, make this guide comprehensive. The book is a perfect companion for any mushroom hunting expedition and an essential addition to any nature lover's library.

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

Sheldrake, Merlin
Apr 13, 2021
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures Cover
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

Entangled Life is a fascinating book that takes readers on a journey into the hidden lives of fungi. Merlin Sheldrake, a young biologist, explores the diverse kingdom of fungi that supports and sustains nearly all living systems. From yeast to psychedelics, from the "Wood Wide Web" to fungi that infiltrate and manipulate insect bodies, this book shows how fungi can change our minds, heal our bodies, and even help us remediate environmental disasters. Sheldrake's vivid writing style and unique perspective make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world we live in.

Mushrooms: How to Identify and Gather Wild Mushrooms and Other Fungi

DK
DK
Jul 15, 2013
Mushrooms: How to Identify and Gather Wild Mushrooms and Other Fungi Cover
Mushrooms: How to Identify and Gather Wild Mushrooms and Other Fungi

"Mushrooms: How to Identify and Gather Wild Mushrooms and Other Fungi" is a beautifully illustrated guide that provides insightful information for identifying over 450 species of fungi from all around the world. The book contains clear photographs, annotations, descriptions, identification charts, and visual ID guides that make mushroom foraging an exciting and rewarding hobby. It also includes key information on habitat, fruiting, and which types of mushrooms are poisonous and which are edible. Overall, this book is perfect for fungi enthusiasts, amateurs, experts, or anyone wanting to learn more about the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi.

Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide

Stamets, Paul
Weil M.D., Andrew
Ten Speed Press
Oct 1, 1996
Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide Cover
Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide

The book "Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide" is a comprehensive guide to identifying over 100 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The book includes detailed descriptions and color photographs of each species, as well as an exploration of their historical and cultural significance. Author Paul Stamets, founder of Fungi Perfecti, provides readers with a wealth of knowledge on the subject of mycology. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of mushrooms and their potential medicinal uses.

Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness

Hobbs L.Ac. AHG, Christopher
Storey Publishing, LLC
Mar 30, 2021
Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness Cover
Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness

Christopher Hobbs's Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide is an authoritative resource on the medicinal properties of mushrooms. The book profiles the most powerful medicinal mushrooms and explains the nutritional and medicinal compounds in each one. It also provides detailed instructions on how to select, store, and prepare each variety for use. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their physical and mental health with the help of mushrooms. The book's unique feature is its full-color photos, detailed but understandable information on medicinal, edible, and visionary mushrooms, recipes, an introduction to basic mycology, and even cultivation tips.

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World

Stamets, Paul
Ten Speed Press
Oct 1, 2005
Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World Cover
Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World

"Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World" is a groundbreaking text that explores the potential of mushrooms in saving the environment. Written by renowned mushroom expert Paul Stamets, the book presents an exciting new concept of mycorestoration, which involves using mycelium to decompose toxic wastes, control insect populations, and enhance the health of our forests and gardens. With chapters on medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms, inoculation methods, and species selection, the book is a comprehensive guide for those interested in mycology. As a physician and practitioner of integrative medicine, Andrew Weil, MD, finds the book optimistic and exciting, offering nonharmful solutions to serious environmental problems."

#TOP 10

The Forests, Fairies and Fungi Sticker Anthology: With More Than 1,000 Vintage Stickers (DK Sticker Anthology)

DK
Mar 28, 2023
The Forests, Fairies and Fungi Sticker Anthology: With More Than 1,000 Vintage Stickers (DK Sticker Anthology) Cover
The Forests, Fairies and Fungi Sticker Anthology: With More Than 1,000 Vintage Stickers (DK Sticker Anthology)

The Forests, Fairies and Fungi Sticker Anthology: With More Than 1,000 Vintage Stickers (DK Sticker Anthology) is a beautiful book that takes readers on an enchanting journey through the woods, with vintage drawings that showcase the beauty of nature. The book contains over 1,000 images of forest life, including mushrooms, trees, and elves, that readers can use to create their own artwork or decorate personal items. This book is a great addition to any nature lover's collection and provides hours of fun and inspiration.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the biological function of mushrooms?

Their biological function in mushrooms is associated with the recognition of key structures relating to fungal-host interactions, pathogenic fungal and mycorrhizal processes and the viral and insect protection system (Rüdiger & Gabius, 2002).

2. What are mushrooms classified as biology?

A mushroom is an example of a basidiocarp, a reproductive structure common to all species of fungi within the division Basidiomycota. The word 'basidium' refers to the pedestal-like structures of the fungi within the division. These structures are also responsible for their common name, the club fungi.

3. How mushrooms Can Help Save the World?

Mushrooms could provide new antibiotic, antiviral and immune-boosting compounds and even chemotherapies. Planting symbiotic mushroom species could speed reforestation in clear-cut woodlands. Adding mycorrhizal fungi to soil could improve crop yields without the need for toxic chemical fertilizers.

4. What acids are in mushrooms?

Percentage of these fatty acids (in 100 g of total fatty acids) in mushrooms varies greatly: linoleic acid ranges from 0.0–81.1%, oleic acid between 1.0 and 60.3%, and linolenic acid from 0.0–28.8%.

Editor's Notes

During our mushrooms in biological sciences book research, we found 1,200+ mushrooms in biological sciences book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 71,797 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mushrooms in biological sciences books list. We found that most customers choose mushrooms in biological sciences books with an average price of $15.91.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.