R. Gordon Wasson
Ethnomycologist
Born in 1898 in the USA, RGW studied at the London School of Economics & Political Science and at Columbia University's School of Journalism.
He covered Wall St. for the New York Herald before eventually becoming the VP of Public Relations with J.P. Morgan & Co.
At the time of his death in 1986, he was the leading authority on the role of mushrooms in society.
He donated his research collection to Harvard University. The rights to his works, letters and photographs remain with his family estate.
​
​
Photo used with permission from Janine Wiedel
Honors & Citations
Botanical Museum of Harvard University
Honorary Research Fellow
The New York Botanical Museum
Honorary Research Associate & Life Member of the Board of Managers
The Linnean Society of London
Member
Sarah Gildersleeve
Fife Bowl
Awarded for their book, Mushrooms, Russia and History to Valentina P. Wasson & R. Gordon Wasson, 1957
The Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris
Named Correspondant by unanimous vote of the Assemblee des Professeurs
Dec. 19, 1957
New York Botanical Gardens
Distinguished Service Award
awarded to Valentina P. Wasson & R. Gordon Wasson for "Outstanding contributions to the advancement of Horticulture and Botany", May 22, 1958
Joseph Pulitzer
(Administered by Columbia University)
Travelling Scholarship winner, 1920
First recipient
Bridgeport University
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Doctor of Science, honoris causa
Spring 1974
Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University
Addison Emery Verrill Medal, 1983