This beautifully illustrated book is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the mysterious and often overlooked kingdom of fungi. Quark's narrative weaves through various global traditions and folklore, offering a rich tapestry of stories and superstitions that highlight the mystical allure of mushrooms.

"Mystical Mushrooms" stands out not just for its informative content but also for its aesthetic appeal. The artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing, making the book a visual delight. Quark's writing is both accessible and poetic, ensuring that readers are not only educated but also enchanted by the world of fungi. This book is a reminder of the wonders that lie hidden in the natural world, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to look closely. Whether you're intrigued by the magic, mythology, or sheer beauty of mushrooms, Mandie Quark's "Mystical Mushrooms" is a must-read that promises to expand your understanding and appreciation of these fantastic fungi.

Thanks NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point, and Rock Point for this arc!

4/5 stars

This was full of fun and insightful information about everyone's favourite fungi. I really enjoyed the mix of magic and science, and found the illustrations really quite beautiful!

Who doesn't love a great book that discusses one of human's favorite subjects: mushrooms!? This book is well written, clear to read, and full of information. I love the folklore presented and how strange and prevalent fungi are in our culture today and that of the past. A must read for fungi lovers united!!

This was such a fun book! Kane explored mushrooms’ history looking at the scientific, the folklore, fantasy and magic surrounding mushrooms. I didn’t know how many mushrooms exist and all the interesting facts and stories that go along with the different types of mushrooms. A mix of science and magick, the best kind!

Kane breaks their book down in three parts

First looking at the folklore and different discoveries made about mushrooms. Second a list of 43 different mushrooms (not a field guide) and finally how to use mushrooms in your magickal practices.

Kane definitely did her research and this book definitely sparked an interest in learning more about mushrooms.

I do want to highlight that Kane is known for writing books about magick and witch craft so this book is not meant for the scientific study of mushroom, though she does include the science behind mushrooms, this is meant to help people incorporate mushrooms in their magickal healing practices. So if that’s not your thing then maybe skip this one. But if you enjoy learning about herbal magick or even looking at mushrooms from an archetypal sense then I definitely recommend.

I also think that this book is a good introduction to the subject of mushrooms and had similar vibes as the documentary Fantastic Fungi

Anyway mushrooms are awesome and my love for them grew after reading Mystical Mushrooms

For me, this book was equal parts educational and tattoo inspiration. I will be purchasing a copy of this and then immediately going into my local tattoo parlor to get the whole book inked on me.

I thought this book was going to be about ways to use the mushrooms. Not types of mushrooms are out there. I want to know if the mushroom was toxic and which ones to use if I wanted to curse someone.

While this book didn’t contain anything not already widely available, it is nice to have it all in one place and in such a beautiful format. Definitely recommend for people with a beginners interest or people who have an interest in the artwork

So much information! Anything you need to know about mushrooms all in one place! And beautifully illustrated too!
A great addition to anyone's library!

I received a free copy of Mystical Mushrooms from Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point in exchange for an honest review.
A great guide to mushrooms of all types! Whether you’re looking for spellcrafting supplies, dinner, or just learning about the folklore meanings behind our mycelial friends, Mystical Mushrooms is the guide for you!

Upon starting this book I knew almost next to nothing about mushrooms. I can’t say I’m a master of them now, but I know a whole lot more than I did before. The pictures are pretty to look at and the information is written well enough that you’re learning but not bored to tears. It would be a beautiful reference for someone who likes mushrooms or goes foraging. Or if you just like pretty pictures and want to know what those mushrooms growing on the tree in your backyard are.

This book was full of soo many lovely mushroom facts!

I picked this book up as from time to time I love doing something spiritual, and I am a great fan of mushrooms, so it seemed this perfecty would intesect my two interests. And it really did bring those two together really well.
The book starts with a few chapters on the history of mushrooms and their magic. It talks on how they have been used for magic or have been linked to witches, but also talks about the many great uses for mushrooms like medicinal use or for food. There were many fun facts in there that I did not know and made notes of to remember for later. Like Ötzy the mummy having had mushrooms with him and how the salem trials might have some connections to mushrooms too. It made me feel more connected to mushrooms with this information and knowledge giving me a good framework for the chapter that takes up most of the book.

This is when the book starts taking two or more pages for various mushrooms. It goes over more common ones you could find yourself but also some very interesting rare ones that are absolutely awesome.
For every mushroom information was given for what kind of menifestations you could use them and I really enjoyed that. It then gave some text too with some background information and stories about the mushroom.
There were some shrooms I was happy about to learn more magical knowledge about them, but with other pages I was amazed to learn new mushrooms that blew my mind.

Lastly there are a few pages with some spells you can try out yourself. I like it that these sometimes give suggestions for what shrooms to use but not all are set in stone. Especially as finding specific mushrooms can be hard at any time of the year it is nice it gave you multiple options to choose from. One that was specific though was a truffle one and that one I did try. It was a manifestation for self worth in your love life that I really enjoyed. For my tools I turned on a candle for this, had my labadorite stone with me for extra self love and ate truffle crisps. Then I said the words the book had written down and sent my hopes into the air. I struggle a bit with self worth in relationships sometimes so I am hopeful this might help.

All together this was a lovely book that I really enjoyed and am considering buying a pretty hardback from to put it on my shelf.


4.5 stars rounded up

Neither plant, nor animal, mushrooms have long fascinated humankind. Some varieties provide nourishment, others - certain death. This book examines the role mushrooms have played in folklore and in cultures around the world. I could have done without the New-Agey mysticism at the end of the book, but this is one I'd pick up again and again just to gape at the gorgeous artwork.

This is a real treat for those who just like looking at these fabulous fungaloids.

Book Review: Mystical Mushrooms: Discover the Magic & Folklore of Fantastic Fungi by Aurora Kane

Introduction

Mystical Mushrooms by Aurora Kane is a captivating exploration into the magical connections, symbolic meanings, and folkloric tales surrounding mushrooms. Through stunning artwork and well-researched information, the book takes readers on a journey through the mystical universe of mushrooms, uncovering their mythological and supernatural significance in various cultures and traditions.

Summary

The book begins by setting the scene, encouraging readers to venture into the woods to discover the enchanting world of fungi. It highlights how mushrooms come in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors, with some species even possessing magical properties. The concept of fairy rings, where mushrooms sprout in a circular pattern after a rainstorm, adds an element of mysticism to these fascinating organisms.

Mystical Mushrooms delves into the historical and cultural context surrounding mushrooms, exploring their connections with art, literature, and religion. From Buddhist traditions to ancient folklore, the author showcases how mushrooms have long been intertwined with the supernatural. The book features over 75 species of mushrooms, each with its own unique qualities and intriguing symbolism.

Review

First and foremost, Mystical Mushrooms deserves praise for its visually stunning cover. The attention to detail and vibrant colors immediately draw readers into the magical world waiting within the pages. Throughout the book, the illustrations continue to impress, perfectly capturing the essence and allure of these fabulous fungi.

Beyond its visual appeal, Mystical Mushrooms delivers on content as well. The information presented is well laid out and thoroughly researched, making it easy for both mushroom enthusiasts and casual readers to delve into the subject matter. The book strikes a perfect balance between being informative and engaging, ensuring that readers are captivated from start to finish.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend scientific knowledge with folklore and mythology. By exploring the cultural significance of mushrooms, the author provides a rich tapestry of stories and superstitions from different parts of the world. This combination of scientific facts and cultural narratives adds depth and intrigue to the topic, making it a truly captivating read.

In conclusion, Mystical Mushrooms: Discover the Magic & Folklore of Fantastic Fungi by Aurora Kane is a must-read for anyone interested in mushrooms, folklore, or the supernatural. The book’s beautiful illustrations, well-organized information, and exploration of the mystical qualities of mushrooms make it a standout in its genre. Whether you are a seasoned mycologist or simply curious about the magical world of fungi, this book will not disappoint.

Highly recommended! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

**ARC Via NetGalley**

A great beginner's guide to mushrooms and a fun mix of science, history, folklore, and new age magic, Mystical Mushrooms is perfect for those wanting to learn more about fungi. I love learning about mushrooms and this book did not disappoint.

While I like that this book is more introductory, I do wish some aspects were talked about more. It felt very much like we were just scratching the surface and we never went into too much detail. But, it did inspire me to do my own research after reading!

A perfect book to have on your shelf to lend out to friends and family or to keep on your table when guests come over. 3.5/5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC.

This was a gorgeously illustrated book. The drawings were artistic, yet realistic enough to properly tell what the mushrooms look like in person. It talked about the facts and folklore of many different mushrooms. I loved reading about the history of the different mushrooms, their facts on whether they are edible or not, and if they could be used for health benefits.

This is exactly the kind of mushroom guide that was written for me. AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS. The illustrations alone have ensured that this will become a physical book on my shelves.

What really resonated with me about this book was that it wasn’t strictly trying to be a guide to identifying and foraging mushrooms. Instead, this book is much more about the history, magic, beauty, and folk connections of mushrooms. While the illustrations and information on each species could certainly help you identify some of these mushies in the wild, this book is not intended to be your go-to foraging guide. Instead, immerse yourself in the magic of mushies - this book is perfect for a day spent lounging with a cup of tea when you’re in need of a bit of whimsy.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy!

Very insightful about all sorts of mushrooms. The illustrations are beautiful as well. A great read if you love these unique fungi

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this delightful book. Mystical Mushrooms is an adorable little book and a must have for any mushroom lover. As someone who has studied ethnomycology for years I even learned a few new things! Plus the illustrations are gorgeous.

Loved this nonfiction work! I've been getting really into foraging and so learning about mushrooms was really interesting.

Beautifully illustrated, fun and entertaining read about mushrooms and their lore! Definitely not a field guide, and the last portion of the book is perhaps not for everyone, but a engaging and lovely read nonetheless. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy!