A Mushroom Word Guide: Etymology, Pronunciation, and Meanings of over 1,500 Words
Reviews (70)
Robert M. Hallock Ph.D. - A Mushroom Word Guide - a book about words for mushrooms
This is a book every English-speaking mushroom hunter should own. It also may be of interest to people interested in the traditional English pronunciation of Latin. ( Read Wikipedia’s “Traditional English pronunciation of Latin” if you want TMI on this subject.) But this isn’t a book about mushrooms, it’s a book about words for mushrooms. Dr. Hallock gives us the derivation and English pronunciation of over 1,500 words about mushrooms, mostly the Latin and Greek names of fungi, with some information about famous mycologists also. I found some pronunciations I disagree with, but none that would raise eyebrows in the most erudite mushroom circles. I’m an amateur ‘shroomer and amateur Latinist. Latin is pronounced differently in different settings. I have four different pronunciations. A Mushroom Word Guide gives us the traditional English pronunciation, used by English speakers for scientific, medical, and legal words. When I read a classical Latin text out loud, I use the classical (“Roman system”) pronunciation. When I sing in Latin, I use the “Church Latin” (Italianate) I learned in Catholic high school. And when I speak German, I use the traditional German pronunciation of Latin. If I spoke better French than I do, I’d have five pronunciations. I’m a great believer in helping people pronounce unfamiliar words. Some consider that viewpoint elitist, but very much the opposite: I don’t want you to make a fool of yourself the first time you use a word you just learned. In my long life I’ve done that entirely too many times myself!
Demystifying that pesky Latin binomial
When I first saw this i thought "do I really need another mushroom related book?" the answer if course is always yes, As I am a Foraging and Wild food guide, and can never resist a new foraging related book. Unlike several others which have just taken their place on my bookshelf collecting dust, Robs book has found its place onto my bedside table. I find myself dipping into it regularly, soaking up the interesting tidbits that this thin tome is full of. Many people struggle with Binomial Nomenclature, the main issue being most people never studied latin, and dont know the meaning of these latin names, so find it hard to remember. Robs book helps you decipher these and relate them directly to the mushrooms themselves. E.g. Craterellus Cornucopiodes (Volcano like, Horn Shaped plentiful) and things of that nature. Its far easier to become proficient in Binomial when you can equate the meaning to the morphology or habits of the fungi, many terms also have applications in botany and zoo-ology etc. Its a great resource for those taking their first step in the scary sounding world of mycology, and an invaluable resource for continued learning for those more experienced, especially those who are self taught who may have missed out on some of the more obscure terminology. A surprising gem.
Wonderful new version, 3 times as many words!
The previous version of Dr. Hallock's book was fun, interesting, and a great resource, and his new version is even better! Mushroom names can be difficult to understand and remember, and A Mushroom Word Guide makes the process more fun, more engaging, and a lot easier. I bought Dr. Hallock's first version to help my study of mushrooms, but soon found that I kept it next to my bed, as it is is also perfect bedtime reading, as I can enjoy as many words as I want before falling to sleep. His new version with 1500 words has now taken over this key location, and I will be passing on the 500 word version to a friend.
Word nerd? Check. Myco nerd? Check.
This book checks at least two of my nerd boxes. I love learning etymology and I love learning about mycology. Learning the meanings of the Latin and Greek roots helps me remember their binomial names. Well laid out and easy to use. Highly recommend.
Concise, interestingly written, and easy to navigate
Concise, interestingly written, and easy to navigate. What isn’t to like! The little nuggets of personality left here and there by the author truly make this a guide to not only be referenced, but to be savoured and enjoyed. The only negative is that there aren’t 5 more volumes! Fantastic job :)
Who TF is Sessile?
But this book, and you too can find out. An absolutely indispensable resource for amateur mycologists to the expert 'shroomers.
One of the better myco-references out there
Terrific info, great humor, and all around one of the go-to references in my myco-library.
Lots of great background information, and common pronunciations
I love that it is broken down into sections; basic Mycological Definitions, Mycologist, Chemical Test, Toxins,... a great learning tool. Only thing I can think of that might make it better is photo/illustration accompaniment 1500+ words, and left me wanting for more.
Highly recommended for any mycology/etymology nerds
This is a fun dictionary that will greatly increase your enjoyment of learning mushroom names. Thorough, and with generous humor
A Must-Have for MycoNerds!
I highly recommend this for any myconerds out there! I would love to see some additional volumes in the future, but I am so happy to have this book on my shelf!
Comments
Post a Comment