Alan E. Bessette is a professional mycologist and distinguished emeritus professor of biology at Utica University. He has published numerous papers in the field of mycology and has authored or coauthored more than thirtybooks, including Boletes of Eastern North America, Second Edition; Waxcap Mushrooms of Eastern North America; and Milk Mushrooms of North America. Alan served both as a consultant for the New York State Poison Control Center and as the scientific adviser to the Mid York Mycological Society for more than twenty years.

Arleen R. Bessette is a retired psychotherapist as well as a mycologist and botanical photographer. She has published several papers in the field of mycology and has authored or coauthored more than twenty books, including Boletes of Eastern North America, Second Edition and Mushrooms of the Southeastern United States. Arleen has won several awards in the North American Mycological Association's annual photography competition.