The World of Fungi: An Introduction

With more than 170,000 described species—and countless more yet to be discovered—the kingdom Fungi is one of the most astonishing branches of the tree of life. Today mycology, the study of fungi, is enjoying a surge of popular attention, captivating foragers and food lovers, scientists and artists, and naturalists of all ages and experience levels. Though fungi can seem mysterious and even bewildering, mycologist David Hibbett illuminates their remarkable variety and explains what fungi are, how they live and grow, and the ways they shape the ecosystems around us.