Passport to Kingdom Fungi: A Scientist's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of Mushrooms, Molds, and More
Authored by Dr. Gordon Walker; Foreword by Eugenia Bone, Illustrations by Ben Gibson (Pop Chart Lab)
Learn the basics of fungal biology, foraging, and identification in this in-depth illustrated introduction from the beloved scientist, mushroom enthusiast, and social media star behind Fascinated By Fungi.
In Dr. Fun Guy’s Passport to Kingdom Fungi, Dr. Gordon Walker brings his scientific knowledge and love for everything fungi to the page. The first section of this book is written in a comprehensive question-and-answer format. Starting with “What are fungi?,” you’ll learn about everything from what mycelium is and fungi’s evolution and biochemistry to how they are classified and how they impact our world today. You will also find information on best foraging practices and culinary techniques. The second half of this book introduces you to mushroom identification skills and profiles various mushrooms and other fungi, from incredible edibles you can find in the wild to the dangerously toxic, medicinal, and just plain weird. Finally, you’ll find fungal phenomena, showing the amazing breadth and diversity of the fungal kingdom.
With colorful and comprehensive science illustrations, mushroom photography, and QR codes linking to resources to help you continue your fungal explorations, this is the perfect portal to step through into the world of mushrooms.
Note: pre-orders are only for the USA right now, but when the book is released in April 2025 it will be available internationally and digitally.
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Praise for "Passport to Kingdom Fungi"
"Passport is like a TSA Pre-Check to a fantastical realm. Fast-paced, accessible, and no-nonsense, this curated tour of edible, medicinal, toxic, and other fascinating fungi bypasses myth for a science-based exploration of an oft-misunderstood kingdom. Learning about mushrooms, Gordon reminds us, leads to so much more than a tasty foraged meal—it’s a pathway to better understanding the world around us and our own place in it.”
Langdon Cook, author of The Mushroom Hunters: A Hidden World of Food, Money, and (Mostly Legal) Adventure
“The most fun you can have between the pages of science primer! Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi is a must for both absolute beginners to mycology and those wishing to deepen their knowledge.”
Maria Pinto, author of Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless: A Fungal Lens on Hidden Histories, Blackness, and Survival
“Gordon Walker's enthusiasm on the pages (and in person) is contagious and he's a great evangelizer for popular mycology.”
Britt A. Bunyard, PhD, Publisher of Fungi Magazine and author of Lives of the Fungi
“Gordon Walker’s book is Fun, yes, and richly illustrated, but at the same time it's an impressively detailed survey of the fungal kingdom and its fascinating denizens, mushrooms and molds and yeasts and more.”
Harold McGee, author of On Food & Cooking and Nose Dive.
“Gordon has always been a tippy top go-to for my mushroomy questions and this book sure does showcase why that is! Passport covers all things fungi from top to bottom in an approachable and fun way. It’s definitely one to tuck into your foragin’ bag to reference when ya need a lil’ extra help with your research or when you’re out there in the field.”
Whitney Johnson, author of Go Forth and Forage: A Guide to Foraging Over 50 of the Most Common Edible & Medicinal North American Mushrooms