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Common Knowledge

Legal name: Wright, John Frederick
Birthdate: 1951-09-03
Gender: male
Occupations: natural historian
Organizations: British Mycological Society
Linnean Society
Short biography: John Wright is the author of the River Cottage Handbooks Mushrooms, Edible Seashore and Hedgerow. As well as writing for national publications, he often appears on the River Cottage series for Channel 4. He gives lectures on natural history and every year he takes around fifty 'forays' showing people how to collect food - plants from the hedgerow, seaweeds and shellfish from the shore and mushrooms from pasture and wood. Over a period of twenty years he has taken around five hundred such forays. Fungi are his greatest passion and he has thirty-five years' experience in studying them.

John Wright is a member of the British Mycological Society and a Fellow of the Linnaean Society. He lives in rural West Dorset with his wife and two teenage daughters.
Nationality: United Kingdom
Places of residence: Dorset, England, UK
Map Location: England, UK

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9 reviews

farflungfish 21 reviews

Booze: River Cottage Handbook No.12 by John Wright

An excellent read, even if just for the constantly entertaining brewing tales that Wright writes about so wittily. The detail is just right - you learn about the concepts of wine, cider, beer and infusions, handy lists of what gadgets and ingredients you will need, a seasonal calendar for when to make what, and short, easy to follow recipes. I've only tried one recipe so far, but this book gives you the confidence and the tools to get started. What could go wrong?!! (lots of course, but show more that's part of the joy!) show less

Jun 17, 20202 other reviews

ecataldi 2,458 reviews

The River Cottage Booze Handbook by John Wright

I'll admit, I'm not even a novice when it comes to making booze, I'm a nothing. I can't even properly mix a drink and I tend to bastardize drinks by choosing the cheapest of ingredients (I'm a tightwad, I'll admit it). This guide has definitely made me inspired though to at least try infusing. I've always been jealous of all the home brewers out there and I'm super impressed with all the craft breweries, wineries, and meaderies that have cropped up in Indiana. I love craft beer and homemade show more wine and this book has inspired me to at least consider trying it. The book is broken into four sections: infusions, wines, ciders, and beers. Each section is meticulously broken down and filled with pictures and illustrations on how to attempt the process. It doesn't look as daunting as I imagined it, but it still looks a little out of my league. All of the recipes include are catered to the UK and the wild fruits, plants, and edible foliage out there, but most of it can be replicated here in the states as well. I plan on starting small and trying some of the heavenly sounding infusions: blackberry whiskey, raspberry vodka, pomegranate rum, and rhubarb vodka. I need to start making them now so they'll be readiny in a few weeks. I'm already thirsty!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in return for my honest, unbiased opinion. show less

Jun 23, 20152 other reviews

ephemeral_future 285 reviews

Mushrooms: River Cottage Handbook No.1 by John Wright

A brilliant reference book, with great pictures and a full guide to mushroom recognition at the beginning of the book that is a valuable aide. Many edible and poisonous species from the British Isles are documented. Each individual species has its own short story, told with Wright's wry sense of humour and finessed with expert knowledge on how to recognise, find and use the mushrooms documented. Of all the reference books I have used for mushroom hunting, this is the best.

Aug 20, 2020

mlfhlibrarian 309 reviews

A Natural History of the Hedgerow: and ditches, dykes and dry stone walls by John Wright

This wasn't quite what I was expecting and for an urban dweller there was a lot of information that had little relevance to my interests (I'm interested in hedgerow flowers), but it was fascinating nevertheless. I found myself wishing I could go for a walk with the author so that he could point out the flora and fauna I am unfamiliar with. One downside - the book is very heavy to hold, not suitable to take with you on a walk!

Apr 24, 20181 other review

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