Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World Paperback – October 1, 2005

"Mycelium Running" is an electrifying read that takes you on a wild journey into the magical world of fungi! Written by the master of mycology, Paul Stamets, this book is packed with mind-blowing information on how these tiny organisms can change the world.The book starts by diving deep into the mysterious underground network of mycelium, the foundation of the mushroom ecosystem. You'll learn how these tiny threads can break down dead plant matter and form partnerships with plants that will blow your mind!But the fun doesn't stop there, Stamets then takes you on a rollercoaster ride of discovery as he uncovers the many ways in which mushrooms and other fungi can be used to benefit the environment and human health. From their medicinal properties, like boosting the immune system and fighting cancer, to their role as a natural pest control in agriculture, to their ability to clean up environmental toxins, this book has got it all!But the best part is yet to come, Stamets emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity and the relationship between the health of the mycological realm and the planet. He encourages readers to embrace the fungal kingdom and explore its many wonders.So grab a seat, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating ride into the world of fungi with "Mycelium Running"!

Interesting subject, interesting perspective. Some of the ideas might be a bit of a reach, but the book is a great source of general information on an under appreciated topic.

I am interested in learning about many ways to inexpensively conserve moisture in my garden. This book is well written, in that it has easy to understand parts for hands-on projects and more detailed text and data in tables and graphs for those who have a scientific background. There is a glossary for much of the terminology, and many photographs. The basic concept is that the reason compost works is that the mycelium, sometimes seen as a whitish webby layer in large compost heaps actually helps plants and trees use water more efficiently. There are greater implications in this discovery, among many of great benefits in heath and medicine, that toxic sites and polluted waters can be cleaned with certain forms of mycelium. I've composted for many years, and save all my leaves for much. Now I understand why that works, and have some new ideas to improve mulching. The larger scope of environments interconnectedness is very interesting. This is a good book on many levels of interests, but it is not an ID or cookbook or medical advice, it covers much broader potential that science is just learning.

Good book for “fun-guys” (AKA fungi) 😊There are so many times we are so “busy” from hither to yon that we often miss the wee things passing by with no attention. And yet, if it wasn’t for the very grounds that we walk on with minds “occupied” by other digital matters. Good book. I appreciate that I got the plastic coated and spiral bound. Also, pictures and diagrams are very complementary to the text.

Never seen a book packed full of so much good information about mushrooms ! Love it!

I like the book, it has been a very good intro to mushroom applications and the versatility of this organism kingdom in general. That said:* lots of "mystical workings of nature" sort of talk where a lot of the concepts involved are relatively straight-forward from an evolutionary perspective* quite a bit of mention, but no actual scientific coverage, of the claims that mycelium carries the necessary nutrients over large distances (what experiments support this?)* also quite a bit of talk about mycelium having an agenda (selecting and promoting other species) but no clear scientific-method references* many mentions of patents in the field; perhaps there should be a chapter on patents because without some context it sounds a bit offputting; on the one hand a lot of advocacy for mushrooms, but on the other this looks like a minefield of patents for any commercial/large scale useJust my take. Solid 4 stars, maybe "4-".

best book ive ever listened to. its the only book ive ever listened to buut still a must im tellin you.

I had borrowed this book from a co-worker and knew that I had to have my own copy to refer to and re-read when needed. It is critical for us to pay attention to what nature, specifically mushrooms, contribute to our environment and how we can use mushrooms for our personal health.