Salt

A World History

By: Mark Kurlansky

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

So much of our human body is made up of salt that we'd be dead without it. The fine balance of nature, the trade of salt as a currency of many nations and empires, the theme of a popular Shakespearean play... Salt is best selling author Mark Kurlansky's story of the only rock we eat.

From its single origin, to the other discoveries made because of it, fascinating tales of salt and the people who have been involved with it through the ages are interwoven here. Fifteen recipes are included that will meet with every taste. Mark Kurlansky has produced a kaleidoscope of history, a multi-layered masterpiece that blends economic, scientific, political, religious, and culinary records into a rich and memorable tale.

Enjoy Mark Kurlansky's books? Listen to an interview with the author on To the Best of Our Knowlege.

©2002 Mark Kurlansky (P)2002 New Millenium Audio, All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"A piquant blend of the historic, political, commercial, scientific and culinary, the book is sure to entertain as well as educate." (Publishers Weekly)
"Kurlansky continues to prove himself remarkably adept at taking a most unlikely candidate and telling its tale with epic grandeur." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

fascinating history of a common ingredient

I now appreciate the luxury of salt. Always seemed like a cheap item that can be found in any home, but the history of salt is closely tied to the history of humans and all animals on this planet.

could have definitely been abridged though. Gets a little repetetive.

More than I wanted to know

What did you like best about Salt? What did you like least?

Interesting study but not 16 hours worth of interesting. This would be one to find in an abridged version. I identified with the review that suggested this may be better to read than to listen (although there is nothing to criticize in Scott Brick's performance).

Surprisingly entertaining and interesting

I got this book thinking it was a boring book that would be good for putting me out when I had trouble sleeping. I was wrong. It was interesting, informative, and entertaining. I ended up not using it for trying to sleep (I found some meditation pieces for that) and listened to this a few times and I'm sure I will listen a few more. I highly recommend it.

llGreat listening book.

Fascinating story . Well written and performed. I recommend it for the non history buff who wants an education.

Fascinating view of how the salt trade shaped the

Fascinating view of how the salt trade shaped human interactions and world trade. Engaging narration wirh great detail of the importance of salt feeding all nations.

Each to his own but I can't stand the narrator

It's a fascinating story, but I just can bear to listen. The narrator has to make EVERY sentence into a theatrical production

Good Story, A Bit Difficult At Times

Really interesting to listen to and gives a round view of history. Sometimes there’s lots of recipes and chapters about different methods of pickling food that become monotonous, but it doesn’t last too long and many stories after make up for it.

History of salt- interesting approach to world history

I thought it was worth the read a little dry in some stages but I still enjoyed it.

Fascinating

Love of history and how salt, its origins and uses have played a huge role in our lives. Didn’t realize how influential salt was in food, industry and the rise and fall of economies and countries. Fascinating!

Fascinating History with a touch of Salt

One of my favorites. I listen to it over and over. The Narrator makes it perfect.