Volume 1 covers the biology, ecology and descriptions of crustose species and Cladonia. It includes detailed descriptions of a large selection of both common and rare crustose species, followed by a close look at many beautiful Cladonia lichens

Volume 2 gives descriptions of foliose, fruticose, filamentous, squamulose species, microscopy techniques and a short history of lichenology. It includes detailed descriptions of many beautiful macro species and a selection of lichenicolous (parasitic) fungi.

At the core of the book are over 700 species descriptions lavishly illustrated to show many of the tiny features used to identify lichens, as well as British Lichen Society distribution maps for Ireland and Great Britain.

Two volumes, for use in the lab or to carry in the field.

Topics include:
– Detailed descriptions with emphasis on identification traits, spot tests and ecology
– Lichen anatomy and glossaries to aid in identification
– Lichen ecology to understand how they fit into the landscape
– Equipment for observing and collecting lichens
– UV light and spot tests – including the latest techniques
– Conservation pointers
– Visual keys to the main groups of crustose, foliose, fruticose and Cladonia
– Primer in microscopy for beginner lichenologists
– Cutting sections for microscopic examination
– Staining techniques to enhance contrast
– Microscopic anatomy of lichens, spore types, tissue types
– Micrographs of sections and squashes as used in identification of difficult species
– Introduction to Lichenicolous fungi and descriptions
– A short history of lichenology looking at the emergence of lichens as fungi
– Lichen as the subjects of art
– Index of species with common synonyms
– Bibliography and general references