By Irwin M. Brodo, Sylvia Duran Sharnoff, and Stephen Sharnoff. This authoritative, award-winning guidebook offers a unique look into the world of this often-overlooked life form, a symbiotic association between algae and fungi. The book focuses on 805 foliose, fruticose, and crustose lichens (the latter rarely included in popular guidebooks) and presents information on another 700 species in the keys or notes; special attention is given to species endemic to North America, presenting superb color photographs, descriptions, distribution maps, and keys for identifying the most common, conspicuous, or ecologically significant species. A comprehensive introduction discusses the biology, structure, uses, and ecological significance of lichens. Hardcover, 828 pages, 9.5 x 11", with over 800 black-and-white and over 900 color photos and illustrations.