People’s Books Cooperative will host author and mushroom expert Peter McCoy for a free presentation on his new book, Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working with Fungi, from 6 to 8 p.m., August 30.

Fungi fulfill a critical ecological role and sustain whole habitats, and now mushrooms are increasingly being used to address a range of pressing global issues from food shortages to chronic disease rates and environmental degradation, McCoy says. An internationally celebrated mushroom cultivator and open-source mycologist, McCoy spent the last two years researching and writing Radical Mycology, a 600-page compendium of all things related to “working with fungi for personal, societal and ecological health.”

The book explores the history of fungi, the roles they play in nature and their practical applications for everyday life. It explains how to cook and hunt for mushrooms and provides detailed instructions for making medicinal mushroom products, growing fermenting fungi and designing a mushroom farm. “My hope with this book and tour is to make mycology exciting and accessible for everyone,” McCoy says. “Fungi are fascinating—mind-boggling, really—and I think it’s time that more folks experienced all that they have to offer.”

Location: 804 E. Center St., Milwaukee. For more information, visit RadicalMycology.com/2016-tour.