Book review: Taming the truffle: the history, lore, and science of the ultimate mushroom

Abstract

Over the last several decades, dozens of books on truffle cultivation have been published in Italian, French, and Spanish. Much new has been learned about the topic during those decades. Now a definitive book in English has at last appeared, one that brings the science and art of cultivating truffles up to date for the English-speaking audience. As a government scientist in New Zealand, Ian Hall pioneered the establishment of truffle orchards, or truffieres; since his retirement he has devoted full time to this activity. He established the program on a carefully designed, scientific footing and continues that approach today. Alessandra Zambonelli of the University of Bologna is among the foremost European researchers on truffle cultivation. Hall and Zambonelli combine their expertise and, with the participation of professional writer and editor Gordon Brown, reveal the state of the art and science of producing the "ultimate mushroom" in a splendidly interesting and informative way.

Citation

Trappe, Jim. 2008. Book review: Taming the truffle: the history, lore, and science of the ultimate mushroom. Inoculum. 59(4): 69