Jonathan Walton Knihy

Poisonous mushrooms have intrigued both scientists and the public for centuries, particularly the genus Amanita, known for its deadly species like the death cap and destroying angel. Theodor Wieland's classic 1986 work provided a comprehensive overview of the chemistry and biochemistry of Amanita toxins, reflecting decades of research by him and his family. While historically significant, Wieland's book is now largely of interest for its insights into early chemical studies conducted without modern techniques. This new book serves as a complete revision, offering an in-depth exploration of history, chemistry, and biology related to these mushrooms. It aims to engage natural products chemists, biologists, mycologists, and toxicologists alike. The author, Dr. Walton, is well-versed in natural products chemistry, mycology, and fungal molecular genetics. To enhance accessibility, the book defines technical terms from various disciplines, ensuring that mycologists can grasp the relevant chemistry and chemists can understand the associated fungal biology. This approach maximizes the book's utility and appeal across diverse scientific fields.