Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Working with Fungi

$59.99

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Paperback; 672 pages

Author: Peter McCoy

This is our favorite book at North Spore. It updates and builds upon the earlier work of personality mycologists like Paul Stamets and Tradd Cotter and offers an exciting, idealistic, and practical overview of the many ways mushrooms enter into the human and biological realm.

"What an amazing compendium! Radical Mycology is filled with provacative ideas and practical information for DIY projects. This is a great resource for anyone fascinated by the ubiquitous world of fungi and wishing to broaden their understanding of this important realm. Be prepared to totally geek out on fungi." -Sandor Katz (author of The Art of Fermentation and Wild Fermentation)

From the back of Radical Mycology:

"Fungi fulfill critical roles at the center of all ecological webs. They manage the flow of nutrients, determine the plant assembly of whole habitats, and profoundly support the health of innumerable species. As culturally important foods and medicines, they have been intimately tied to the development and spread of human societies since prehistory. Today, the cultivation of mushrooms and other fungi offers a seemingly unlimited potential for increasing the resilience of human communities and the environment. And yet, mycology- the study of fungi - is the most overlooked field of natural science.

In Radical Mycology, Peter McCoy provides answers to dispelling this paradox. After starting with a thorough examination of fungal biology, ecology, and historical importance, McCoy dives into the many ways to engage with and understand the vast world of fungi. Step-by-step methods for making high quality medicinal mushroom extracts, easily identifying and cultivating mushrooms and lichens, mitigating pollution via mycoremediation, growing fermenting and mycorrhizal fungi, and much more are provided alongside hundreds of descriptive photographs and illustrations. Throughout this extensive journey, McCoy also offers his personal insights into the unique gifts of fungi gleaned from his 15 years of cultivating mushrooms and studying their historical impacts.

Written for the beginner as well as the experienced mycologist, Radical Mycology is an in-depth reference and resource manual for anyone interested in the growth of mycology as a people's science. More than a book on mushrooms, Radical Mycology is a call to ally with all fungi in any effort to spawn a healthier world."

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend absolute beginners start with our Spray & Grow Kits, which make growing mushrooms at home super easy.

We want you to have the best possible experience with every North Spore product and guarantee free replacements within 30 days of receipt for any damaged, contaminated, or unusable product.

Absolutely! Mushroom cultivation is a great activity to do with the whole family, whether you'd like to grow indoors or outdoors. If you're new to mushrooms, we recommend starting with a Spray & Grow Kit or a Plant & Grow Kit – both make it easy to grow fresh, organic mushrooms at home.

We are vertically integrated — from culture work all the way to spawn and substrate production — ensuring a quality end product. And our staff mycologists keep up to date on all best practices in our field. Additionally, we have a dedicated QAQC team that tests every batch of grain and substrate before it’s inoculated.

Cluster of brown-capped mushrooms with long, light-colored stems against a white background.

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Whether you’re growing mushrooms at home, in your garden, or at a commercial scale, we offer everything you need to cultivate success. We start with the highest-quality OMRI-listed ingredients, mix them in our state-of-the-art facility, and inoculate them in our custom-built lab, so you can rest easy knowing your product will yield the best results.

Reviews

  • 5 stars: 16 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
Jason Keene
Good stuff

Love the book it’s great

Amazing to hear you are expanding your mushroom knowledge, Jason! Thanks for taking the time to leave a great review!

J
Joseph
Radical Mycology Explores the Vast Landscape of Mycological Wonders. A Must Have in Your Myco-Lib...

If you love to learn about fungi, click 'add to cart' now, and don't look back! In 'Radical Mycology,' Peter McCoy's extensive exploration and practical guidance make it a seminal work for anyone interested in the profound impact of fungi on our world and how to harness their potential. If you're picking up 'Radical Mycology,' prepare for a double lift—this book is massive and certain to bulk up your arms and your understanding of fungi simultaneously! If you are building your myco-library, I highly recommend this book as the foundation.

Hi Joseph!

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review, and we totally agree! There is so much to learn, and we're happy to be able to support your mycological education. We appreciate your business!

C
Curtis S Hammond
Excellent source

This is an excellent source of information that is very easy to follow and comprehend. No matter your skill level, you will find this book helpful.

We're really glad you're enjoying the book, Curtis! Thanks for the great review.

G
Glenn

Superb reference and enjoyable reading. I highly recommend; thank you, North Spore!

We really appreciate your support, Glenn! Thanks for the great review.

B
Barrett Dunigan
An amazing book of knowledge so far!

Wow!! I love this book! If you are interested in diving into mycelium, I think this is a great book to have. I haven't finished reading it yet but the amount of information is exactly what I needed. The size of the textbook is enormous (which I love) and it arrived in perfect condition. Definitely worth the money!

J
Jessica Cadorette

My son was so happy to get this book

M
Michael Zamzam
Essential material

Getting this book at this price was a steal. Significantly more expensive elsewhere, including Amazon.

K
Katie Chesnut
Must read

Easy to read and mind opening

R
Raymond fahnestock
Radical

Bought this book from a local farm store. On the second read. It's just jam-packed with info. His writing style isnt quite my cup of tea but it is still mind blowing. Thank you

S
Sam Robison
Loads of Info

I s*** my pants on nearly every page. It's really interesting.

J
Jordan

One of the best prices for this book out there! Came in the mail in a timely fashion.

M
Moth

👍

S
Siobhan
Beautiful and comprehensive

This book is a wonderful comprehensive treasure chest of information that’s is both a delight to read and to view. It’s massive- I was thrilled when it arrived and I found it’s a considerable textbook sized volume with everything I could ever want to know (mushroom dyes, folklore, pollution mitigation, roles in culture, making extracts)... it’s a proverbial candy shop for mycology lovers. Lots of images, great for anyone with a love of mushrooms. Highly recommend.

S
Skylar cooke
New favorite

Informative, comprehensible, and current information. This is wealth of knowledge that you can't pass up if you are into mycology. I am very pleased with my purchase.

G
Gary Makus MPH
Has it all

Book is comprehensive , yet lucid and applied. You can figure out how to do what you want. Reminds me of Paul Stamets on the value of fungi. Amazed that the author Peter, knows so much at a young age. I thank all the contributors who made this apparently huge endeavor a true success.

A
Austin Landon
Amazing read

“Radical Mycology” is a textbook in scale, but such an enjoyable read. Demystifying mushrooms and providing incredible information for novices and professionals alike.
If there’s one book to own on the subject, I’d have to say “Radical Mycology” is the one to have.