Fungi New Naturalist Series No 96.<br />First edition

London: Harper Collins, 2005. First edition 2005. Hardback. xi, 594pp. Dust jacket in protective sleeve. Fungi are ancient, diverse and ubiquitous organisms that form a major component of the natural environment and significantly influence our daily lives. The book examines the often surprising roles fungi play in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the impact of fungi on the human world, from forestry and agriculture to foods and pharmaceuticals. The authors take a broad look at the extraordinary variety of fungal species - from microscopic moulds to mushrooms - and explore the many and complex ways in which fungi interact with plants and animals. They survey the specialist species found in woodlands, grasslands, lakes and seas and investigate how fungi have colonised the man-made world, from wine vaults to space stations. Examples from folklore reveal how fungi have captured the imagination, and a survey of biotechnology and industrial uses shows just how important fungi have become to manufacturing and commerce. A book full of life, full of strange and surprising information to fascinate the enquiring mind. Colour photographs and black & white diagrams and tables etc. Jacket design by Robert Gillmor. Book as new and unread. Dust jacket near fine. Minor soiling. Just a little colour fade to spine. A heavy book but no added postal charges for UK destinations.