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)

A book about SALT?

Indeed a book about just salt. There is much information in this book and I believe this is one of a handful of book that should be for reading rather than listening. Scott Brick does a good job but I found I was backing up to re-listen for a fact or because my mind wandered off.

Well done, for the food historian

I enjoyed this book, and it is very complete for those who, like me, enjoy reading about the history of how our present foods and diets came about. I don't think the book would hold the interest of someone with a more casual interest in the subject, however. The book can get a bit dry (no pun intended) and does include quite a lot of recipes that are of historical interest but not much use as modern-day recipes. Of greatest interest to me were the explanations of salt's economic importance from the Stone Age on, and also how the history of salt is so completely tied up with the history of fish in the human diet. It makes a good companion book to COD.

Loved it, but would have preferred paperback

I want to see maps and illustrations. I pulled up a lot of maps while listening. Still a great listen though.

Another outstanding book

I have NO idea how the author can transition, so seamlessly from one subject, content, major historical content, to another. But, he does.
I listen to it in many sessions. Author so ably maintains my interest, creating interest. I didn't mind the recipes. I was fascinated by the similarity in the spices, pursuit of which motivated European quest for shortest routes to obtain them.

Encyclopedic Entry on Salt

It's like an encyclopedic entry on salt -- the discovery and use of salt by ancient civilizations. It's a compilation of research on salt without any theme or stories to connect the many chapters.

I live in Louisiana,

and he mispronounced "Boudin", ( should sound Boo-Dan). That's my only, tiny complaint.
Buy this audio book.
Buy it!

a fascinating book!

If you love food and history, you'll love this book. It's like learning more about your family history, you think you know it but there's always more to know.

Great story, meh reading.

loved it except for the readers voice modulation. Too quiet and then too loud. really only complaint.

Very bad sound dynamics

This recording has terrible dynamics. It’s alternately too loud and too quiet to hear. In order to understand the quiet words,
you have to set the volume to a level that blasts your ears for the loud times, especially if you’re wearing headphones. Please hire a sound engineer next time

liked it

This is one I wish i had read instead, but it was very good nonetheless