Stinkhorns, puffballs, deadly galerina, Satan's bolete, black mold -- the world of fungi is infinitely varied. Here is a dazzling array of fungi, from brewer's yeast & Penicillium to the highly lethal death cap. We learn of Madurella, that can erode bones until they look moth-eaten; Cordyceps, that wracks insects with convulsions, kills them, then sends a stalk out of the insect's head to release more infectious spores; & Claviceps, the poisonous fungus that causes hallucinations. Showcases the lives of mycologists -- incl. Reg. Buller who studied luminescent fungi in his dark lab, & Charles Tulasne, whose illus. of specimens border on art. And Money's own childhood, where trees & fruit were devoured by bitter rot, canker, rust, powdery mildew, rubbery wood & scab.

Ill.