Best Mycology Books:

As more people around the world discover their love for fungi, new mushroom books are becoming much more common, and we’re here for it!

A few years ago, we wrote some blogs — 5 Must-Read Mushroom Books and 5 Psychedelic Books You Need to Read — and figured it’s time for a refresh, though we still recommend checking out those recommendations if you haven’t already.

We rounded up the best mycology books, our favorites from the past few years. These span a wide range of topics, from scientific guides, psychedelics, mushroom recipes, mushroom books for kids, and more.

Dr. Fun Guy’s Passport to Kingdom Fungi

By Dr. Gordon Walker

“Passport to Kingdom Fungi“ is a fantastic resource all mycophiles and nature lovers should have on their shelves. In Part One, Dr. Gordon Walker answers every question you might have about fungi — fungal biochemistry, fungal intelligence, and mushroom foraging. Part Two is a thorough mushroom identification guide complete with beautiful photos. A book you’ll want to return to again and again.

Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature

By Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian

“Forest Euphoria” is a reflective story of how the fungal kingdom can teach us so much about not only nature but also our own inner worlds. Through the lens of her own life, author and scientist Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian takes us on a journey through the queerness of nature. A great read for anyone interested in queer ecology or nature memoirs.

Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience

By Eugenia Bone

Written by science writer and mycophile Eugenia Bone, “Have a Good Trip” is a thorough and approachable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the state of psychedelics today. It’s also a great intro to magic mushrooms for folks curious about safety, benefits, dosing, set and setting, and what to expect. Written in the first person with plenty of personal anecdotes along with scientific explanations — a must-have mycology book on any mycophile’s bookshelf.

The Mushroom Color Atlas: A Guide to Dyes and Pigments Made from Fungi

By Julie Beeler

This one’s for all the artists out there! Did you know that a gorgeous array of pigments and dyes can be made from fungi? “The Mushroom Color Atlas” takes you through the world of colors made from mushrooms, including how to identify dye mushrooms, ethical foraging information, step-by-step instructions for creating dyes and pigments, and a diverse array of color swatches.

Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats

By Paul Stamets

Mycology legend Paul Stamets delivers a guide to psilocybin mushrooms common to North America, Europe, and Australasia. The book contains 300+ color photographs of more than 60 wild psilocybin mushrooms and their lookalikes, detailed identification information, habitats, geographic distribution, historical and cultural use of sacred mushrooms, and tips on growing your own magic mushroom patch.

Magical Mushrooms Coloring Book

By Marina Terauds

This mushroom coloring book has so many amazing illustrations — some whimsical, some detailed, some simple. Perfect for letting the mind unwind or for doodling during psychedelic journey integration days.

It’s All About Plantz & Mushroomz

By Turnip Vegan

We love a good mushroom cookbook! Turnip Vegan creates the most delicious looking mushroom dishes and shares his best recipes in “It’s All About Plantz & Mushroomz.” Get 10% off this book or anything on the North Spore site with code “FUNGIACADEMY.”

New Mushroom Books for Kids

With two Mushroom Mamas on our team, we can’t forget the kids books! Here are a few of our new faves.

On a Mushroom Day — By Chris Baker

This beautifully illustrated picture book “On a Mushroom Day” encourages curiosity about all the mushrooms that can be found during a walk in the forest. Fun to read out loud — and may inspire the little ones to go on a mushroom walk.

Mason Goes Mushrooming — By Melany Kahn

“Mason Goes Mushrooming” teaches the basics of mushroom foraging along with beautiful watercolor illustrations. It even includes a few mushroom recipes based on the story. Written by a mycophile who has been leading mushroom walks for more than two decades.

Fungalphabet — By William Brown

Amateur mycologist William Brown created a fungal alphabet book — each letter a new mushroom character (C is Chantelle the Chanterelle!). “Fungalphabet” is a fun, colorful, educational book for your littlest mushroom lovers.

Keep Learning

• 5 Must-Read Mushroom Books — our original classics list that started it all.
• 5 Psychedelic Books You Need to Read — essential reading for the psychonaut bookshelf.
• Top Online Mycology Courses — ready to go beyond books? Compare the best courses available.
• Online Mushroom Cultivation Course — our self-paced course with 70+ video lessons and a 130-page workbook.