Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest by Steve Trudell and Joe Ammirati has instant credibility with us; we've met both men, and have very high regard for their expertise in the field. Trudell is affiliate professor in the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington, and Ammirati is professor of biology and teaches mycology and botany at the same University. Earlier, Dr. Ammirati revised and enlarged the esteemed The New Savory Wild Mushroom (our much used copy, the third edition, dates to 1987), which remains indispensable to anyone attempting to learn about wild mushrooms in our part of the world. Both Trudell and Ammirati are very fine educators, and know their subject well.
Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest goes considerably beyond The New Savory Wild Mushroom in intent and in scope. It isn't as easy or accessible as 'New Savory,' nor does it try to be. Those of us (like us, we must admit) who still rely on common names more than the latin may struggle at times. The descriptions of individual mushrooms do include the common names, but alas, the index does not, a glaring omission. But that is our only serious criticism.
Beautifully illustrated with Trudell's photographs as well as illustrations by Marsha Mello, this is a beautiful and well-organized book. It is also, and more importantly, the most complete guide to mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest that we have ever encountered. It is organized by fungal "family" and contains several simple keys as to genus. Unlike many of its predecessors, this one also deals in some detail with truffles and polypores. There is a very-well done section on mushroom poisoning and toxicity, and a highly useful glossary.
Some 450 species in all are described and discussed. Yes, you have to work a little harder with it than with our old favorite 'New Savory.' But no one's saying you can't use both (we now do), and anything worthwhile takes at least a little work! Priced at $27.95, this book is a must-have addition to any northwest mushroomer's collection.