British Fungus Flora, Agarics and Boleti, 2/Coprinaceae Part I: Coprinus

by P. O. Orton and R. Watling
Published by H.M.S.O. (Edinburgh), 1979, 149 pp. Price £12 (sterling)

This is a specialist's book which brings together under one cover the current genetical/morphological/ecological data on a difficult genus. A key is provided and each species so keyed is described in detail. Line drawings of basidiospores and other important taxonomic features of the species appear in a block at the back of the book.

The text is clearly presented, using capitals for subdivisions within species descriptions, enabling ease of data location when the book is used in conjunction with microscopic examination of specimens. Some difficulty, however, was experienced in using the keys due to the specialist terms used. For example, although ‘submitriform’ is explained as meaning ‘shouldered’ (p. 51), just what do amygdaliform or lageniform mean? Inclusion of a glossary would have alleviated this small difficulty.

In spite of its high cost, this book is a ‘must’ for all serious taxonomic mycologists is New Zealand. It is another good quality and comprehensive publication whose appearance will please many mycologists who hitherto have been grappling with this difficult genus.