Book Suggestions... Please Help

[swashbucklord]

Hi everyone, I am new to these forums and I need some help. I am interested in seriously studying botany in college (which I start in less than a month). I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of textbooks or textbook-like/scientifically driven books that could help prepare me for courses in college and just enrich my knowledge of plant-life.
My special interests include mycology, plant physiology, general plant ecology, and photobiology. Anything pertinent to college level botany courses is perfect.
Thanks very much.

[MrMistery]

Plant Physiology, Taiz and Zeiger, 4th edition. It's the best in the field.

[Cat]

If you seriously considering studying plants I would recommend getting the followed two books:

Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach
http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Systematics ... 773&sr=1-3

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants
http://www.amazon.com/Biochemistry-Mole ... 233&sr=1-3

The 1st one is on taxonomy and the second is the comprehensive manual of pretty much anything you need to know about plant internal workings. While I am sure that book recommended by Mr. Mystery is a good one, I would not recommend buying standard textbook at this point. When you take plant physiology in college you would be required to buy a specific book for class and you might end up having 2 of them on the subject. Books that I recommend are more of the additional information and supplementary information as well as in-depth analysis type that you would be able to use as introduction now and as reference manuals later on.