Mabey, baby

[bigjackbrass]

In the unlikely event that this has passed anyone by, there's a new Gem edition of "Food for Free" available, so I picked a copy up. Very handy pocket size, nicely illustrated and with lots of colour photos. I haven't been able to test any recipes yet, although many are familiar. The only thing leaping straight off the page at me is that the fungi section does not exactly take any pains in alerting the reader to dangerous varieties; indeed, Mabey downplays the risk. I've never foraged for mushrooms because I'm waiting to take a course with someone who knows exactly what they are doing, but this strikes me as an approach rather at odds with other books. Any views on this, or on "Food for Free" itself?

 

[gurushaun]

Big Jack Brass

Is that a Collins Gem Book? Do you have the ISBN number?

Cheers

Shaun

 

[Ed]

It sure is a collins gem :-D

Publisher: Collins; ISBN: 0007151721

(got this info from amazon.co.uk... they only have 2 left in stock, but more on the way)

Ed

 

[ESpy]

They had three a day or so ago.

Mine should arrive with my Jim Hrisoulas books if they *ever* sort out the delivery of them...

 

[Ed]

For those who havn't read 'Food for Free' I suggest you get a copy. This is one of the best books.... if not 'the' best book on wild food in the UK. I have used my old copy for years... I was going to get the new(ish) hardback version as the food is in seasonal chapters.... but a little collins gem for the pack cannot be a bad thing.

Ed

 

[Tony]

sounds like a good buy. I have picked up some really good books this year Roger Phillips (I think that’s his name) wild foods is good, I got it last week for £5 from a discount shop, that's the 4th book of his I have picked up in the last few months, all of them are good.

 

[Roving Rich]

Has anyone read any of his other books ?
Rich

 

[gurushaun]

I picked up the Collins Gem in Brum a few weeks ago. Great read, now goes everyware with me. I agree with BJB about the Fungi, but I would only harvest them with an expert anyway.

Cheers

Shaun

 

[Doc]

I recall that a French publisher once had to frantically recall and pulp copies of their illustrated dictionary. Apparently the typesetter had accidentally transposed the labels for the pictures of the Edible mushroom and the Death Cap....

 

[Keith_Beef]

I recall that a French publisher once had to frantically recall and pulp copies of their illustrated dictionary. Apparently the typesetter had accidentally transposed the labels for the pictures of the Edible mushroom and the Death Cap....

If you ever go into a pahrmacy in a small French town or village, you'll see that there is a collection of model fungi. The idea is, that you take a sample to the pharmcists, who will tell you if you've got eaters or not.

The pahrmacists don't make these models themselves... there must be a company making and selling these models.

Keith.

 

[Neil1]

Roger Philips guides are superb, good size (fits in bergen pockets) scaled photos of everything. Cross ref with other guides to get uses, but for ID they are the best.
FOOD FOR FREE a classic, and would recommenrd to anyone, the new edition however, contains a simple, but possibly deadly error (I think) has anyone else noticed it???
Neil1

 

[JFW]

Neil1

As there are no replies to your post it would suggest that no one else has noticed. Maybe you should enlighten us, just in case one of us ends up dead through ignorance.
I for one would like to read your observation.

Cheers

JFW

 

[Adi007]

Not noticed it either ... :shock:

I'll have to compare the old edition and the new one!

 

[martin]

In the entry for Cow Parsley it shows a picture of Hogweed but the text underneath says that its Hemlock!