Fungi Collected in Shropshire and Other Neighbourhoods

Venture into the woods alongside a pioneering female mycologist. This one-of-a-kind, keepsake volume celebrates the timeless fascination of fungi.Very little is known about M. F. Lewisnot even her first name. Mysterious, prolific, and deeply enamored with the world of mushrooms, she left us a treasure trove of mycological illustrations. For over forty years, from 1860 to 1902, Lewis rambled across England and Wales, recording an astonishing biodiversity of fungi. Her delicately drawn, boldly colored images evoke the strange and powerful beauty of this kingdom. This handsome volume collects hundreds of Lewiss watercolors, contextualized by a foreword from mycologist Dr. Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian. Its a must-have for todays mushroom lovers who are curious about the history of mycology and for any admirer of vintage botanical illustration who wants to discover something different.FASCINATING FUNGI: Mushrooms are having a real moment, but theyve always captured our imaginations, even in Victorian times. Lewiss gorgeous artwork offers the modern mushroom fan a new way to appreciate their favorite kingdom.VINTAGE AESTHETIC: This lovely clothbound volume evokes the magic of uncovering a treasure in a jumbled vintage bookstore. FEMINIST HISTORY: While little is known of the elusive M. F. Lewis, we can celebrate the legacy that she and other female naturalists of the 19th century left for women in science and art today.ARTFUL SCIENCE: Lewiss illustrated field notes showcase the intersection of art and science at its best.Perfect for:Mushroom hunters, eaters, and admirersFans of cottagecore and goblincore aestheticsCollectors of vintage books and vintage botanical illustrationCollectors of Victorian ephemeraReaders of feminist historyEnvironmentalists, scientists, and artists