This is a book as unique as its author. Forget identification
guides, forget books on the natural history of mushrooms, forget
photographic guides, this book is all of those and more. There
can be few mycologists as widely travelled as Taylor F. Lockwood,
and even fewer who take beautiful photographs as well and who
can write passionately, engagingly and knowledgeably about their
subject.
In his pre-publication notice the author says that he has "...dedicated
his career to capturing unique and gorgeous images of mushrooms,
and now he's focussing on educating people about the wonders
of these earthy delights". One glance at this book shows
that he succeeds admirably. There are photographs here that
make you gasp with astonishment and wonder, and look on in awe
at the photographer's skill.
Organised like a literal trek around the world, the book is
arranged by country or continent with page after page of full
colour, perfectly composed photographs. Many but not all are
identified; the author is not afraid to place a simple 'Unidentified"
or 'sp.' beneath a picture. The object here is not to act as
a field guide but to inspire, amaze and enthral you. The text
is very much a travelogue, mentioning not just the fungi but
the many people he met on the way, the various accidents, surprises
and wildlife he encountered. There is discussion here of local
customs regarding fungi and their uses as food and medicine,
plus photographs of local mycologists.
His travels have taken him from Tibet to the Amazon, from Russia
to South Africa, from the wettest tropics to the highland plateaus
of Asia. He has certainly suffered for his art. There is a photograph
of his face so swollen that he is hardly able to open his eyes
after being stung by an African wasp, and another of a poisonous
snake that almost ended his career.
Taylor is well known in the U.S.A. for his lectures, slide
shows and educational videos but less so in Europe; this is
the book that will hopefully change that situation. Buy the
book, drool over the amazing fungi and then pack up your travel
kit and get photographing!
Geoffrey Kibby—Field Mycology
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