Many mushroom identification and foraging books being sold on Amazon are likely generated by AI with no human authorship. These books could provide dangerous misinformation and potentially lead to deaths if people eat poisonous mushrooms based on the AI’s inaccurate descriptions. Two New York mushroom societies have warned about the risks of AI-generated foraging guides. Experts note that safely identifying wild mushrooms requires careful research and experience that an AI system does not have. Amazon has since removed some books flagged as AI-generated, but more may exist. Detecting AI-generated books and authors can be difficult as the systems can fabricate author bios and images. Relying on multiple credible sources, as well as guidance from local foraging groups, is advised for safely pursuing mushroom foraging.
Amazon is terrible for physical books though. I have never bought a new book off Amazon that didn’t come damaged. Not once. Used books are ok usually, because the sellers take care to pack them properly. But Amazon simply does not care at all. Oversized art book loosely thrown into a box too big so it gets to slam around the inside constantly in transit is the norm. I use Alibris these days.