Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 43
 Love of Mushrooms August 17, 2004
Samuel Ley (St. Louis, MO USA)
29 out of 30 found this review helpful
I always appreciate reading something by a person who loves what they are writing about. It seems like all too often a book is written by someone who seems to know what they are talking about, but don't LOVE what they are talking about.
David Arora LOVES mushrooms! Not only that, he knows a LOT about them. This book is more than any other field guide I've owned. It allows for quick and easy identification of common mushrooms, which is important. However, it shows us the human side of the fungal world. Delicious recipes, stories of friends and funny anecdotes are sprinkled among hard facts. Colorful photos abound of both the mushrooms themselves, but also their happy finders. Old japanese men, young girls, cheerful bearded men and even a few happy dogs are all shown with glee at their find. Mushrooming is not something people do as a chore, its what they do as a passion.
The pleasure of finding something secret, something mysterious on the forest floor, something to fill you with earthen smells and primitive tastes. This pleasure practically drips from "All the Rain Promises and More..."
If you like mushrooms, or if you think maybe you WOULD like mushrooms, if you just got the right introduction, then this book is for you. If you already love mushrooms, then this book is a great pocket guide (nice pocket size, I carry mine all over), with clear photos, decisive identification criteria, and plenty of facts and interesting tidbits to make you nod knowingly, pleased at what you'll find after the fall rains.
Absolutely essential! August 28, 2000
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
This is the book you must have if you are even casually interested in wild mushrooms. I am replacing a copy that some cretin stole from me. It is a reader's digest version of the big book by David Arora that is also indispensable. Great photographs and very good descriptions of the most commonly encountered species. A nice touch of humor to make it more than just a reference. Don't miss this one!
An EXCELLENT Guide! (Even if you don't live in the West.) May 2, 2004
Delaine Franklin (Midwest)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
I eagerly waited for this book to arrive to me because of all the rave reviews I read about it. Then when I found out it was a guide for WESTERN mushrooms (extending to Colorado; I live in the Midwest) I thought, Crap, I'm gonna half to return it. But the more I kept browsing through it, the more I wasn't going to return it. I LOVE this book! This is a good read even if you don't live in the area it covers. Some of a species described in the book I have actually found in my area.
The photography is excellent, and many times show different angles of the 'shroom. The descriptions are very clear and easy to understand and extra comments, stories and some cooking suggestions are included. However, this guide doesn't include all of the species; it's only made to be an easy-to-carry field guide. I would suggest a more in-depth guide as a compliment to this one. I've heard good things about Mushrooms Demystified (same author), and I am so impressed with this book that I am going to buy it as well.
Indispensable Field Guide December 1, 1999
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Absolutely the best pocket-sized reference around. I lost my copy (or it was stolen!) and am reordering another. Contains identification keys that are usable in the field (less dependence on spore prints and microscopic exams than some of the others). Great photos make field ID easy. It seems I nearly always find what I'm looking for in this little book. Don't leave home without it!
a little rain never hurt anyone February 15, 2001
michael o'brien (so cal)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
If anyone wants to learn about wild mushroom hunting/eating, this the best book one can get! After you read it, spend a little extra for mushrooms demystified. It's the answer to the answer.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 43
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