It’s no surprise there’s a growing search for mushroom books.
Mushrooms have fascinated humans for centuries, and the interest in these enigmatic organisms is only growing. Increasing numbers of individuals are deepening their understanding of the importance of mushrooms in the health–and future–of our planet.
Whether you want to learn about mushroom identification, growing mushrooms yourself, or their culinary uses, this article highlights the best mushroom books to add to your library this year.
Let’s take a trip to explore the world of mushrooms through these literary gems.
Best Psychedelic Mushroom Books
Dive into the mind-expanding world of psychedelic mushrooms with these groundbreaking publications. These mushroom experts share their vast knowledge, wisdom, and personal experiences to help you better understand the profound effects, potential benefits, and safe practices associated with psychedelic mushrooms.
Covering topics ranging from microdosing and trip preparation to the history and cultural significance of fungi, these books are essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the transformative potential of psychedelic mushrooms responsibly.
1. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide by James Fadiman
James Fadiman’s The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide offers a comprehensive look at the safe and responsible use of psychedelic substances. It provides practical advice on dosages, set, and setting while delving into the historical, cultural, and scientific aspects of psychedelics. Fadiman’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field make this book an indispensable resource for anyone interested in psychedelics.
Where to buy: Jamesfadiman.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Inner Traditions
2. Mastering Microdosing by Paul F. Austin
Mastering Microdosing by Paul F. Austin, the founder of The Third Wave, is a holistic guide to microdosing psychedelics responsibly, including with psilocybin mushrooms.
Through extensive research and anecdotes, Austin shares the potential benefits, risks, and best practices for incorporating sub-perceptual psychedelics into your life.
This book is a must-read for anyone curious about learning how microdosing can be used to process trauma, improve cognitive function, and evoke positive transformation in their life.
Where to buy: Paulaustin.co, AbeBooks, Books-A-Million, Amazon
3. Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion by Michelle Janikian
Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion by Michelle Janikian works to demystify the world of psilocybin mushrooms.
Janikian shares valuable insights on the history, effects, and safe usage of mushrooms while providing practical tips for responsible consumption. The book also includes information on navigating the legal landscape surrounding mushrooms, making it a comprehensive resource for those interested in psilocybin.
Where to buy: Michellejanikian.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org, Powell’s City of Books.
Best Mushroom Foraging and Identification Books
Foraging for wild mushrooms is a rewarding experience that allows us to connect with nature. Learn how to identify edible and psychedelic varieties with these essential guides.
4. Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide by Paul Stamets
Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets’ Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World provides a detailed and informative guide to identifying and understanding psilocybin mushrooms found around the globe.
The book features vivid photographs and descriptions of 100+ varieties of mushrooms, making it an indispensable resource for foragers, mycologists, and psychedelic enthusiasts alike.
Plus, you’ll learn about the ancient history of psychedelic mushrooms and how they’ve evolved to permeate modern culture.
Where to buy: Paulstamets.com, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Target.
5. Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
A classic by David Arora, Mushrooms Demystified is a must-have for anyone interested in mushroom identification. With descriptions and photographs for over 2,000 species, this book provides an extensive and accessible introduction to the world of mushrooms.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced forager, this book will equip you with all the information you need to accurately identify mushrooms in the wild.
Where to buy: Davidarora.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Hudson Booksellers, Powell’s City of Books.
6. The Complete Mushroom Hunter: Illustrated Guide to Foraging, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms by Gary Lincoff
In The Complete Mushroom Hunter, Gary Lincoff covers all aspects of mushroom foraging, from identification to harvesting and even cooking your fungi finds.
With its detailed descriptions, collection of photographs, and practical tips, this guide makes mushroom foraging a breezy and enjoyable experience for novices and experts alike.
Where to buy: Garylincoff.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target
Best Mushroom Cookbooks
Mushrooms offer myriad health benefits and flavor profiles for you to explore. Discover the culinary delight of mushrooms with these inspiring cookbooks.
7. Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide by Kristen and Trent Blizzard
Kristen and Trent Blizzard’s Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide is a beautifully illustrated cookbook offering delicious recipes and foraging tips for over 25 different wild mushroom varieties.
From simple sautés to gourmet dishes, this book showcases the versatility and flavor of wild mushrooms, making it a great addition to any culinary enthusiast’s library.
Where to buy: Modern-forager.com, Amazon, AbeBooks, Barnes & Noble.
8. Fantastic Fungi Community Cookbook by Eugenia Bone and Evan Sung
The Fantastic Fungi Community Cookbook, curated by Eugenia Bone and Evan Sung, features community-sourced recipes that celebrate the versatility of mushrooms in various cuisines.
Accompanied by stunning photographs, this cookbook is perfect for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons with delicious and inventive mushroom dishes.
Where to buy: Eugeniabone.com, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org.
9. Cooking With Mushrooms by Andrea Gentl
Andrea Gentl’s Cooking With Mushrooms is a comprehensive cookbook showcasing the diversity of mushrooms in the culinary world.
From everyday meals to gourmet dishes, this book offers a wide range of recipes that highlight the unique flavors and textures of different mushroom varieties, inspiring home cooks to get creative in the kitchen.
Where to buy: Workman Publishing, Barnes & Noble, Book Larder, Hachette Book Group, Kitchen Arts & Letters.
Best Mushroom-Growing Guidebooks
Cultivating mushrooms at home can be a rewarding and educational experience, and these guides are the perfect resources to help you get started.
10. Third Wave Mushroom Growing Kit & Guide
This all-in-one kit from The Third Wave comes with everything you need to start growing mushrooms at home. It includes tools and sterilized materials that are ready to use, plus Third Wave’s Mushroom Growing Course, which walks you through each step of the three-phase cultivation process. Made for growers of all experience levels, this kit offers an affordable and easy-to-use solution.
If you want a healthy supply of mushrooms at home for culinary, medicinal, or recreational use, Third Wave’s Mushroom Growing Kit & Guide is the way to start.
Where to buy: The Third Wave
11. Mushroom Cultivation by Richard Bray
Richard Bray’s Mushroom Cultivation is a comprehensive guide that covers the basics of mushroom cultivation for different species like Oyster, Shiitake, Button, Enokitake, and more. The book explores various techniques and species, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for successful cultivation.
Where to buy: Amazon, AbeBooks.
12. DIY Mushroom Cultivation: Growing Mushrooms at Home for Food, Medicine, and Soil by Willoughby Arevalo
In DIY Mushroom Cultivation, Willoughby Arevalo shares his expertise on growing mushrooms at home, focusing on their culinary, medicinal, and ecological benefits.
This hands-on guide offers practical advice, easy-to-follow instructions, and inspiring stories to help readers successfully cultivate a variety of mushroom species in their own homes.
Where to buy: Strong Nations Publishing, Amazon, AbeBooks, Barnes & Noble, New Society Publishers.
Best Medicinal Mushroom Books
Delve into the world of medicinal mushrooms with these informative works, and learn how mushrooms have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being.
13. Healing Mushrooms: A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health by Tero Isokauppila
Healing Mushrooms by Tero Isokauppila explores the therapeutic properties of various mushroom species and provides practical advice on how to incorporate them into your daily diet.
With its detailed information on each mushroom’s health benefits and delicious recipes, anyone looking to enhance their well-being with the power of mushrooms should pick up this book.
Where to buy: Teroisokauppila.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Four Sigmatic.
14. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide by Martin Powell
Martin Powell’s Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide offers in-depth information on the health benefits, characteristics, and applications of numerous varieties of medicinal mushrooms.
Drawing on scientific research and clinical experience, this guide lends an evidence-based approach to understanding and utilizing the therapeutic potential of these remarkable fungi.
Where to buy: Martinpowell.net, Amazon, AbeBooks, Aloha Medicinals, Fungi.com
15. Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide by Christopher Hobbs
In Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide, Christopher Hobbs explores the history, cultivation, and therapeutic use of medicinal mushrooms. It gives a complete overview of various mushroom species, their traditional uses, and the latest research on their potential health benefits.
With its accessible writing style and wealth of information, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone interested in using medicinal mushrooms to aid in natural healing practices.
Where to buy: Christopherhobbs.com, Amazon, AbeBooks, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Powell’s City of Books, Workman Publishing.
Other Great Mushroom Books
Broaden your understanding of mushrooms with these thought-provoking and entertaining reads.
16. The Mushroom at the End of the World by Anna Lowehaupt Tsing
The Mushroom at the End of the World by Anna Lowehaupt Tsing is a captivating book that explores the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of the elusive matsutake mushroom.
Through a blend of anthropology, history, and ecology, Tsing delves into the complex relationships between humans, fungi, and the environment, offering a unique perspective on our interconnected world.
Where to buy: Princeton University Press, Amazon, AbeBooks, Amplify Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org
17. Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake unearths the fascinating world of fungi and their role in shaping our environment. With a blend of storytelling, scientific research, and personal experience, Sheldrake provides a fresh perspective on these often-overlooked organisms, revealing the myriad ways in which they interact with and influence our world.
Where to buy: Merlinsheldrake.com, AbeBooks, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Penguin Random House, Thriftbooks.
18. The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel
The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel is a charming, illustrated book that introduces young readers to the magic of mushrooms. With its whimsical artwork and engaging text, this book fosters curiosity and appreciation for nature, inspiring children to explore and learn more about the fascinating world of fungi.
Where to buy: Amazon, AbeBooks, Barnes & Noble.
Other Ways to Learn About Mushrooms
Online Courses
Mushroom courses and classes can be a great way to learn more about mycology, mushroom identification, and cultivation. Third Wave offers a few mushroom courses for mushroom lovers, including a Mushroom Growing Course and the Official Microdosing Course.
Workshops and Forays
Participating in local workshops, forays, or guided tours can provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of mushrooms. Organizations like the North American Mycological Association and local mycological societies often host events and workshops.
If you’re looking for guidance into psychedelic mushrooms, browse Third Wave’s directory of clinics, retreats, therapists, and coaches.
Online Forums and Social Media
Online forums, such as Shroomery, offer a platform for mushroom enthusiasts to share their experiences and knowledge. Additionally, social media groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit can be a valuable resource for learning from other mycophiles.
Podcasts and Videos
Online forums, such as Shroomery, offer a platform for mushroom enthusiasts to share their experiences and knowledge. Additionally, social media groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit can be a valuable resource for learning from other mycophiles.
With these video and audio resources you can immerse yourself in the captivating realm of mushrooms and continue your mycological journey beyond the pages of the best mushroom books.
Listen to Third Wave’s Psychedelic Podcast
Enjoy the Best Mushroom Books
We hope this curated list of the best mushroom books inspires you to dive into the world of fungi and discover how they can expand your mind, body, and palette. With these books at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate and appreciate the diverse world of mushrooms.
If you’re thinking about growing your own mushrooms but don’t know where to start, Third Wave can help. But first don’t forget to check out Paul Austin’s book, Mastering Microdosing, for a comprehensive guide to responsible and intentional psychedelic use.
