Five Must-Reads for an Aspiring Mycologist

Mycology is an incredibly small field with little more than a lecture devoted to it in introductory biology courses, and very few classes offered for undergraduate students, it is typically expanded upon once a student has decided to pursue a graduate degree in the field. So if you've been thinking about the possibility of studying this field, here are some books to increase your knowledge on the subject and give you some insight into the world of fungi.

Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds

This book provides a great introduction to fungi! It begins with a little bit of scientific information and common classification. It then delves into stories, which are separated by chapters. There are chapters about the Irish Potato Famine, tree diseases, medical mycology, and psychedelic fungi. To get a light understanding of many topics regarding fungi, read this book.

The Triumph of the Fungi: A Rotten History

To obtain a graduate degree in mycology, a student generally has to enter a college of Plant Pathology, and in fact, acquire a Plant Pathology degree with a specialization in mycology. This book provides some insight into the role fungi have played in many of the largest cases of plant pathology. It also discusses how these events have changed human history. This is a must-read because it's a huge part of how fungi affect humans and plants alike.

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Save the World

This book, written by renowned mycologist, Paul Stamets, provides an inspiring look into non-conventional ways fungi can be used to benefit humankind. He discusses everything from gardening to remediation of hydrocarbons through use of fungi. This book is a great read if you'd like to know more about fungi, it's uses, and how an education in mycology can.. well, help save the world!

Magic, Murder, and Medicine

This incredible find brings together the science behind fungi and the history of fungi. It's a book that is often a favorite of medical mycologists, because of it's heavy discussion of the chemicals produced by fungi and how they have been used in human history. It's an easy read for non-science majors, although it contains plenty of helpful information with those familiar with chemistry jargon.

Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares: The Love, Lore, and Mystique of Mushrooms

This book provides descriptions for mushrooms that you can find by foraging, along with where they can be found. It also has recipes and descriptions of the more toxic mushrooms you may come across. While it sounds like a field guide, it's more so informational for someone interested in fungi, because the prevalence of colored pictures used in identification is limited. It provides interesting history behind certain fungi, so it will enhance your knowledge of fungi.