Mushrooms are astonishing life forms. Unlike plants, they have no leaves, stems, or roots and their cells don't contain chlorophyll, which would allow them to utilize carbon dioxide from the air. Because of their unique features, scientists eventually ascribed fungi a kingdom separate from the plant and animal kingdoms. Mushrooms appeal to both the eyes and the nose. Those with a trained eye find them just about everywhere and marvel at the variety of their forms and shapes. The step from mycology to mycogastronomy is a short one, one that experts in mushroom taxonomy made a long time ago, to everyone's great pleasure. Edible mushrooms are a special pleasure for the gourmet's palate. With "The Great Encyclopedia of Mushrooms", experienced mushroom hunters and beginners alike will have no trouble figuring out what is what. More than 1,000 colour photographs and a detailed identification key depict almost 500 varieties and their most important characteristics