Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas : A Handbook for Naturalists, Mycologists, and Physicians

Rating:
Summary: A fine introduction for anyone interested in mushrooms
Review: Dr. Benjamin makes no pretense of being an expert at mushroom identification, but rather focuses on the history, culinary use, medicinal properties and toxicology of mushrooms. The central part of the book deals with the symptoms and treatment of mushroom poisoning. Dr. Benjamin takes what is, suprisingly, considered by many to be a contrarian position, that physicians should be best advised to treat mushroom poisoning on the basis of symptoms alone, and not wait for an identification of the mushroom responsible. Previous books on this subject have focused (perhaps unnecessarily), on identification first, having been written primarily from the viewpoint of mycologists. It's refreshing, to say the least to have a book more directed to the physician.

That's not to say that there isn't plenty here for the mycologist, or the amateur. It's really as much as anyone needs to know, complete with copious references.