Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada

Suzanne Visser is a professional associate at the Kananaskis Centre for
Environmental Research, University of Calgary.

Over 600 fungal species are profiled in this exceptional book, the most
comprehensive guide to mushrooms in Canada published to date. Although
the book covers mushrooms of Eastern Canada and the northeastern United
States, the widespread distribution of many of the species makes it
applicable to Western Canada as well.

Barron, who has aimed his book at the novice mushroom hunter, makes
extensive use of picture keys and large-format color photographs
accompanied by clear, succinct, nontechnical descriptions of each
species. The book begins with a simple but effective photo guide that
divides the mushrooms into broad morphological groups, including the
slime molds, sac fungi, puffballs and allies, jelly fungi, coral fungi,
tooth fungi, bracket fungi, boletes, and gilled mushrooms (pink-, dark-,
brown- and light-spored). Following placement in a major group, an
unknown mushroom can be further identified using the photographs and/or
the diagnostic key provided in the detailed section reserved for each
group.

The strength of this book lies in the more than 800 outstanding
photographs, which are arranged by major group. Introductions to the
major groups are concise, informative, and illustrated with excellent
diagrams and photographs. A general introduction provides background on
fungal classification, mushroom identification, use of scientific versus
common names, mushroom edibility, differences between gilled and
nongilled mushrooms, and the role of fungi in ecosystems. A unique
feature is the section on photographing mushrooms. The book concludes
with a photo key to the edible fungi and a discussion of mushroom toxins
and hallucinogens. Rounding out the volume are a clear and concise
glossary, a page of selected references, and an index of genus, species,
and common names.

Its soft, plasticized cover and compact size make this guide an
excellent choice for field use. Highly recommended for the inexperienced
mushroom enthusiast, Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada may also
appeal as well to more advanced mycologists who wish to acquire a
reference for teaching mushroom identification.