Underground Lovers

A new book being released this week by ecologist Alison Pouliot takes readers through the mysterious world of one of the most unknown kingdoms in the natural world – fungi.

Having spent over the last 30 years researching mushrooms, mycelia, and everything in between – Alison’s work has taken her from the Australian desert to Iceland’s glaciers and America’s Cascade mountains. She’s particularly fascinated with what fungi can teach us about our natural world – could it hold answers to helping us tackle the climate crisis?

Ms Pouliot has some famous followers, including songwriter Paul Kelly, who calls her a “perfect guide” on the world of fungi.

“The world of fungi is our world even if we don’t know it and can’t see most of it — strange, dazzling, spooky, unpredictable, friendly, deadly, sly. And Alison is the perfect guide. She surprises and informs, delights and warns; makes you wish you could walk with her and her passionate companions. That’s OK. In this book you do,” Mr Kelly said.

Ms Pouliot reveals how humans are deeply intwined with fungi, how they hold forests together, and how they may provide the answers to restoring our environment.

Melding science and personal reflection, she shines a light on these whimsically strange organisms, exploring the fungi that appear after fire, the impact of climate change on fungi, and the integral role they play in our ecosystems.

What can we learn from the lives of fungi? Underground Lovers brings us to our knees, magnifier in hand, to find out.

A lively and astute read that provides fascinating new insights into the lives of fungi, Underground Lovers will make you see the world anew.

For more information and to view the book’s trailer, head to www.newsouthbooks.com.au and search ‘Underground Lovers’.