The Magic of Mushrooms

Author: Sandra Lawrence. 208pp. 200 colour illustrations. 210 x 150 mm. Hardback, ISBN 978 178739 906 8, Welbeck in association with RBG Kew, 2022.

At the centre of countless superstitions, folkloric tales and magical beliefs, as well as appearing in recipes and medicines both traditional and modern, mushrooms have incredible powers.

Featuring images of over 100 fascinating species, sourced from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Magic of Mushrooms shows that from saving lives to expanding the mind, the potential of these fascinating organisms should not be underestimated.

Media coverage:

A beautifully illustrated, easy and entertaining read ... This is such a fun book about a fascinating topic. Lia Leendertz, Gardens Illustrated

The Magic of Mushrooms should certainly make you look at fungi a little differently after reading it, and you’ll learn a lot about fungi and people. Nigel Chaffey, Botany One

Sandra Lawrence is a journalist and author. She writes for the Evening Standard, Guardian, Financial Times, Times, Londonist.com and the English Garden. She is the London columnist for British Heritage magazine and is on the Q&A panel of experts for History Revealed magazine. Her travel writing is collected on madamepassepartout.com.