Broadly defined, a fungus, of the kingdom fungi, is a eukaryotic, heterotrophic organism, and while mycology was once treated as a subset of botany, it’s now thought that fungi bear more relation as a kingdom to animals than to plants. What accounts for much of fungi’s fascination is that these organisms can go largely unseen: while some take the form of familiar mushrooms or visible molds, others are located in remote forests or thriving underground. Fungi, particularly mushrooms, have played long roles in folklore, magic, and medicine, as well as in literature. Mushrooms as a symbol of both healing and of contamination exist in many books, and ancient lore is full of stories about the power of fungi that can be found through foraging. More recently, cultivators and scientists are discovering new uses for fungi in medicine and environmental science, and they’re imagining new ways these organisms might impact our future. Whether you want to approach the study of mycology from an agricultural, societal, or magical perspective, there is plenty to learn about the often vast networks created by fungi species. The mushroom books below can be just a starting point for amateur mycologists looking to explore this world. Looking for more fun and fungi-focused reads? Check out eight more mushroom titles and read an exploration of the mushroom as a symbol in the horror genre.
