Keith Seifert

Emphasizing the Micro
Review of the Greystone Books hardcover edition (May 24, 2022)

I was drawn to The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes, and Bodies, due to the title's similarity to Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World (2015). It seemed a good sign that Wohlleben himself had blurbed the new book by saying:

"Explore the complex and ingenious ecosystems where fungi are found and discover how these marvels of nature enrich our lives."

You don't have to read very far into Hidden Kingdom of Fungi to appreciate that Seifert is obviously a hugely qualified expert in the field. The challenge is that making information about microscopic spores and moulds of interest to the general reader is not as easy as having them appreciate other forms of life such as trees, for which they likely already have positive attraction and associations with.

So this book is a bit of a hard nut to crack and the introductory chapters don't ease you into it. I suspect many general readers will get bogged down as I did, especially with the detailed terminology involved. I did persevere though and the more interesting 'human relatable' aspects are all there and with many fascinating details that go beyond just the use of yeasts for fermentation and the culinary appreciation of mushrooms. There are things such as the discovery of penicillin, the creation of LSD (a chemical derivative of an ergot fungus) and the rather incredible appreciation that we are living in constant contact with a microscopic world that can simultaneously be of benefit or of danger to us. A late chapter about the future implications of myco-technology was especially fascinating.

So this is a qualified 4 rating from me. It doesn't get into 5 'amazing' territory, as the journey is not easy, but you are definitely in the hands of an expert and your patience will be rewarded if the topic is at all of interest to you.… (més)

Fungi, Herbs, and Human Connections

The fascinating world of fungi and herbs is the topic of several new works of nonfiction. From updates in mycology to the traditions of ginseng gathering, these titles explore an often overlooked area of science and agriculture.

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes, and Bodies
Keith Seifert, Apr 2022, Greystone Books
Themes: Science, Life sciences, Nature, Mycology

THE HIDDEN KINGDOM OF FUNGI introduces the fascinating world of mycology. Divided into three sections: the hidden kingdom, the fungal planet, and the mycelial revolution, each chapter explores meaningful examples of our relationship with fungi from the famous potato famine in Ireland to new research in DNA.

Take-aways: As a career scientist, the author is effective in making the science of fungi accessible to non-experts. Educators will find his focus on human connections and building a sustainable future useful. Young adults interested in the mycology will be engaged by the science, the hands-on stories, and the timely examples.… (més)