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BioImages: The Virtual Field-Guide (UK)
Courtecuisse, R. & Duhem, B., 1995
Mushrooms & Toadstool of Britain & Europe
In my opinion, the best field guide for Agarics so far published for use in Britain.
The non-agaric macrofungi are dismissed in the first 8 plates, then the rest of the book concentrates on Agarics. The book depicts a large range of species, except in genera which require microscopy - so cannot be identified in the field anyway. The watercolours are detailed and accurate, if sometimes a bit small. The concise descriptions on the facing page have diagnostic characters italicised. Occurrence and RDB status in each European country, rarity and related species are also given.
The classification chapter covers the entire fungi, but goes into most detail in the Agaricomycetidae where each family and genus is characterised. The next chapter presents 72 (very full!) pages of indented macroscopic keys to macrofungi.
Apparently there is a large format French edition where Bernard Duhem's paintings can really be appreciated.
| Publisher |
Harper Collins |
| Pages |
480 |
| ISBN |
0-00-220025-2 |
| Comments and Corrigenda |
The only criticisms are the small font and that the paper isn't very waterproof. |
| Coverage |
Not comprehensive, but a large selection of agaric species from Britain and Europe. Some representative non-agaric macrofungi are included. |
| Illustrations |
Excellent water colours on righthand pages. |
| Identify |
In the Hand (also useful to examine with x8 or x10 hand lens). |
| Difficulty |
Although an excellent field guide and memory jog for the species you already know, there are many fungi that cannot be reliably identified in the field until you've learnt them in the lab. |
Malcolm Storey
Taxonomic Scope
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