In Search of Mycotopia: Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics, and the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms

by Doug Bierend

‘Mushrooms are having a moment. [A] natural sequel for the many readers who enjoyed Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life.’—Library Journal 

‘If you enjoyed Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life . . . I highly recommend this book. . . . In the vein of Louis Theroux, Bierend journeys deep in the wonderfully strange subculture of the mushroom-mad.’—Idler magazine

From ecology to fermentation, in pop culture through to medicine – mushrooms are quite literally everywhere! Author Doug Bierend guides readers through the weird, wonderful world of fungi and the amazing mycological movement.

In Search of Mycotopia introduces us to an incredible, essential and oft-overlooked kingdom of life – fungi – and all the potential it holds for our future, through the work and research being done by an unforgettable community of mushroom-mad citizen scientists and microbe devotees. This engrossing and mind-expanding book will captivate readers who are curious about the hidden worlds and networks that make up our planet.

Bierend uncovers a vanguard of mycologists: growers, independent researchers, ecologists, entrepreneurs and amateur enthusiasts exploring and advocating for fungi’s capacity to improve and heal. From decontaminating landscapes and waterways to achieving food security, In Search of Mycotopia demonstrates how humans can work with fungi to better live with nature – and with one another.

‘Comprehensive and enthusiastic. . . . This fascinating, informative look into a unique subculture and the fungi at its center is a real treat.’—Publishers Weekly

• ISBN10: 1603589791
• ISBN13: 9781603589796
• Publish Date: 15 April 2021 (first published 10 March 2021)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 17 November 2022
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Chelsea Green Publishing Co
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 336
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

In Search of Mycotopia is an informative and journalistic look at mycology and how it intersects different communities - written and presented by Doug Bierend. Due out 10th March 2021 from Chelsea Green Publishing, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a surprisingly engaging book about people who love fungi. There are scientists (both academics and laypeople whose love of all things mycology brings them together), producers, counter-cultural-citizen-mycologists, educators, foragers, ecologists, and ethnobotanists in a sort of network of advocates over a broad range of the population.

The book is layman accessible, and I found it a fascinating read. It's rigorously annotated (and the chapter notes and index make for fascinating further reading) but doesn't get bogged down in overly academic language. This is popular science writing - not a "how-to" guide. There are no tutorials here. The author does present a number of eccentric personalities from the counter-cultural vanguard, and always manages to do so with respect and affection. There are a handful of popular science and zoology writers who have the gift of writing layman accessibly and engagingly on their topics of expertise. Doug Bierend is one such.

Four stars. Heartily recommended for readers of science, ecology, ethnobotany and similar subjects.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.