BROWSE BY SUBJECT  |  BROWSE BY SERIES

An hourly guide that spotlights twenty-four fungus species as they spread spores, find food, and adapt to a changing planet.

On this mushroom-filled day, ecologist Alison Pouliot tours the world to introduce readers to a fascinating variety of fungi. Each chapter of Mushroom Day introduces a single fungus during a single hour, highlighting twenty-four different species.

In the dark of the night, the green glow of the ghost fungus guides us into the forest to learn about the mysteries of bioluminescence. At dawn, we awaken to find a fairy ring of mushrooms that has appeared overnight like something out of folklore. But we don’t have much time to linger, as we must reach the Italian forest before other porcino hunters forage the morning’s fattest and finest. In the heat of the afternoon, the ripe stench of the stinkhorn might send us out of the woods, while the enticing aroma of the aniseed funnel lures us back in. Late in the evening we spy a fungus known as the witches cauldron and wonder what it might tell us about the future. By the end of our mushroom day, we’ll have glimpsed the diversity of this unique kingdom, met fungus friends that feed and fascinate, and learned how humans can encourage their flourishing.

For each hour, celebrated artist Stuart Patience has depicted these scenes with evocative pen and ink illustrations. Working together to narrate and illustrate these unique moments in time, Pouliot and Patience have created an engaging read that is a perfect way to spend an hour or two—and a true gift for foragers, mycophiles, and anyone who wants to stop and appreciate fungi.

Get 30% off the book when you order on our website using code MUSHROOM30

“Wow! What a cool way to learn about fungi. Each of the twenty-four mushrooms described here is a gateway to an aspect of mycology: lion’s mane and cultivation, the ghost fungus and bioluminescence, the veiled polypore and symbiosis. In a style both easygoing and thoughtful, Pouliot delivers enough science to be accurate but not so much that a newbie will stumble—no easy feat. While this book will delight folks at all stages in their fungal journey, it will be especially inviting to those just starting out. And Stuart Patience’s graphic illustrations? Simply gorgeous. Mushroom Day is in every way a great addition to any mycophile’s library.”

—Eugenia Bone, author of Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience

“A feast of fungal wonders and superb drawings. Mushroom Day is a fabulous illustration of symbiosis: between fungi and animals, fungi and plants, science and art—and more—with creativity at its core. A delight!”

—Giuliana Furci, founding director, the Fungi Foundation

MUSHROOM30 PROMO is only valid on hardcover copies of MUSHROOM DAY. Discounted price does not include shipping or sales tax. Orders must be placed via our website, press.uchicago.edu. Sales restrictions may apply outside of the United States—for international customers, check our website before ordering. Offer expires 10/9/2025.

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