I have a small library of dichotomous key books that I have collected over the 15 years I have been interested in mushrooms and this is the best new book on mycology I found it via the Prairie State Mushroom Club in Iowa that I am a member of. It has brief but valuable biological descriptive info supplemented by great photos showing immature button to mature stages of the 5 major genera: Amanita, Lacterus,Cortinaarius, and Boletus. In addition, it states for each species whether it is edible,not recommended, non-edible/poisonous. A good glossary and beginner's key of nomenclature and methods of spore,pilus,stipe identification. A "must have" book for any amateur or professional fungalist. Arnold Christian, Blue Grass, IA