An incredibly versatile cooking ingredient containing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and possiblycancer-fighting properties, mushrooms are among the most expensive and sought-after foods on theplanet. Yet when it comes to fungi, culinary uses are only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout history fungus has been prized for its diverse propertiesmedicinal, ecological, even recreationaland hasspawned its own quirky subculture dedicated to exploring the weird biology and celebrating the unique role it plays on earth. In Mycophilia, accomplished food writer and cookbook author Eugenia Bone examines the role of fungi as exotic delicacy, curative, poison, and hallucinogen, and ultimately discovers that a greater understanding of fungi is key to facing many challenges of the 21st century. Engrossing, surprising, and packed with up-to-date science and cultural exploration, Mycophilia is part narrative and part primer for foodies, science buffs, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in learning a lot about one of the least understood and most curious organisms in nature.

Forays and festivals -- Conferences and collectors -- Mutualists, decomposers, and parasites -- Hunters, gatherers, and thieves -- The exotics -- Truffles -- All about buttons -- The new superfood -- Fungi that make you well and fungi that make you sick -- Shrooms -- Mycotechnologies -- The superorganism.