The Secret Life of Fungi

Description

Jay Lichter

Exploring the otherwordly beauty of New Zealand’s micro marvels

Discover the hidden kingdom that keeps our planet alive in this stunning tribute to Aotearoa’s wild and wonderful fungi

In The Secret Life of Fungi, obsessive fungi photographer Jay Lichter takes you on an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of fungi — from the tiniest fruiting bodies barely visible to the naked eye, to the sprawling mycelial networks that stretch for kilometres beneath our feet.

From urban backyards to suburban parks and beyond exists a magical world that weaves every living thing together in a vast underground web of connection. Without fungi, there would be no plants, no animals, no us.

With his stunning photography and infectious curiosity, Jay uncovers the bizarre beauty, hidden intelligence and ecological genius of the fungi world.

Funny, fascinating and a little bit filthy, this book celebrates the unsung heroes of our planet — the recyclers, the networkers, the quiet alchemists who make life possible. Once you’ve glimpsed their secret world, you’ll never look at fungi the same way again.

ISBN 9781991142115

Format hardcover

Pages 312

Published April 2026