Radical Mycology

Peter McCoy

In this detailed compendium designed to be accessible for all, the author explains fungal biology, extols the benefits of fungi in plant, animal, and human nutrition and health, and advocates for the role of radical mycologists as change agents through the promotion of psychoactive fungi. An early chapter overviews the major influences of fungi in human cultures, and this theme is carried through the rest of the book. Step-by-step instructions are provided for identifying and cultivating mushrooms and lichens, creating medicinal mushroom extracts, and fermenting fungi, and recipes for making fungal medicines are provided. Final chapters explore the history and social influences of psychoactive fungi and hold out hope for the impact of psychoactive fungi on the development of intelligent and resilient human societies. The book contains 100 species profiles, plus 17 appendices (90 pages) on areas including fungal toxins, identification tools, equipment, online resources, and even jokes.