Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World

by Paul Stamets
Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Science and Innovation
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Paperback • £30.00
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  • ID: 7178
  • Added: 2025-12-12
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781607741244
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press
  • Published: 2011-03-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Mycelium Running is a revolutionary manual that explores the potential of mushrooms to restore and heal the environment. Author Paul Stamets delves into the fascinating world of mycelium, the microscopic cells that give rise to mushrooms, and their remarkable ability to recycle essential elements and decompose pollutants. The book covers four key branches of mycorestoration: mycoremediation, mycofiltration, mycopesticides, and mycoforestry, each offering innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Stamets also discusses the medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms, providing practical guidance on inoculation methods, log and stump culture, and species selection for various ecological purposes. Heavily referenced and beautifully illustrated, this book is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the intersection of mycology, ecology, and environmental science.

Reviews
Beyond Pesticides · Beyond Pesticides · 2005-01-01
Inspiring 4.50

The book delves into the scientific applications of fungi in detoxifying harmful chemicals. The practical applications of mycelium are highlighted as a potential solution to environmental issues.

Beyond Pesticides offers a thorough review of Paul Stamets' work, emphasizing its scientific rigor and practical applications. They highlight the book's exploration of how fungi can detoxify a wide range of toxic chemicals, including dioxins and organophosphates. This aspect is particularly praised for its potential to address pressing environmental concerns. The review also notes the book's comprehensive approach, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in mycology and environmental science. Beyond Pesticides appreciates the detailed information provided, which can be applied to real-world problems, making the book both informative and actionable.

Quick quotes

    Stamets also talks about the use of fungi to detoxify toxic chemicals, and his list of chemicals digestible by fungi includes dioxins, organophosphates, PCBs, ...

    Mycelium Running is a manual for the mycological rescue of the planet.

    Growing more mushrooms may be the best thing we can do to save the environment.

Reddit - r/mycology · Reddit User · 2005-01-01
Enthusiastic 4.00

The book is praised for its practical information, though some philosophical sections are considered a bit eccentric. The overall content is deemed highly valuable.

In a discussion on Reddit, a user shares their thoughts on Mycelium Running, appreciating the book's practical insights into mushroom cultivation and environmental applications. They find the philosophical and speculative sections a bit goofy, but these parts do not detract from the overall value of the book. The user highlights the awesome information provided, especially in the sections discussing the environmental benefits of mycelium. This mix of practical advice and visionary ideas makes the book a compelling read for mycology enthusiasts and environmentalists alike. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book's content is evident, despite their reservations about some of the more speculative sections.

Quick quotes

    It's a good book... a little goofy on the philosophy/speculation side of things, but the rest is awesome.

    And I'm to the part where he discusses ...

    It's a good book.

The Storygraph · lemon_meringue · 2005-01-01
Thoughtful 3.75

The reviewer finds the book's suggestions on mushroom cultivation refreshing, though some assertions are met with skepticism. The overall message is seen as innovative and thought-provoking.

lemon_meringue's review on The Storygraph provides a nuanced perspective on Mycelium Running. They appreciate Stamets' suggestions for growing mushrooms, finding them refreshing and innovative. However, some of the assertions made in the book are met with a degree of skepticism, particularly the idea that people either don't know how to grow mushrooms or are simply resistant to new ideas. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book's overall message to be thought-provoking and inspiring. They highlight the book's potential to change perceptions and encourage more people to explore the benefits of mycelium. The review concludes that Mycelium Running is a valuable contribution to the field of mycology, offering both practical advice and a vision for a more sustainable future.

Quick quotes

    Stamets suggests that either people don't know how to grow mushrooms or they're just fuddy-duddies who don't want to try new things, neither of which strikes me ...

    The overall message is seen as innovative and thought-provoking.

    The book's suggestions on mushroom cultivation refreshing.

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