Who Would Like This Book:
Who knew a fish could have so much influence? Kurlansky's deep dive into the world of cod is a masterclass in microhistory - discovering how a single species shaped empires, economies, and even kitchen tables. The book is packed with lively anecdotes, surprising trivia, and fascinating details connecting cod to major historical events, from the Vikings to the American Revolution. Its storytelling is punchy, informative, and approachable, making it a treat for history buffs, foodies, environmentalists, and anyone who loves to learn how the little things connect to the big picture. Bonus: quirky cod recipes for the adventurous home cook!
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re not naturally drawn to food history, fish, or microhistories, you might find the subject matter a bit niche or even dry in parts. Some readers felt overwhelmed by the abundance of recipes, especially if cooking cod isn't on their bucket list. Others found the narrative occasionally meandering or lacking in updated info since the book was written in the late '90s - so if you crave the latest on cod fisheries, you’ll have to look elsewhere. A few also compared it unfavorably to the author’s other books (like Salt), wishing for even more depth or focus.
About:
'Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World' by Mark Kurlansky delves into the history, impact, and significance of cod fishing on various cultures and societies throughout the centuries. Through a mix of historical facts, cultural anecdotes, and personal reflections, the author explores the role of cod in shaping trade routes, technological advancements, and political landscapes. not only covers the rise of cod as a valuable resource but also sheds light on the environmental consequences of overfishing and depletion of cod populations.
Kurlansky's writing style in 'Cod' is described as engaging, informative, and well-researched. Readers appreciate the author's ability to present complex historical and scientific information in a readable and entertaining manner. is praised for its blend of storytelling, historical insights, and culinary references, making it an intriguing exploration of how a seemingly mundane subject like cod can have far-reaching implications on human history and society.
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From The Publisher:
An unexpected, energetic look at world history via the humble cod fish from the bestselling author of Salt and The Basque History of the World
Cod, Mark Kurlansky's third work of nonfiction and winner of the 1999 James Beard Award, is the biography of a single species of fish, but it may as well be a world history with this humble fish as its recurring main character. Cod, it turns out, is the reason Europeans set sail across the Atlantic, and it is the only reason they could. What did the Vikings eat in icy Greenland and on the five expeditions to America recorded in the Icelandic sagas? Cod, frozen and dried in the frosty air, then broken into pieces and eaten like hardtack. What was the staple of the medieval diet? Cod again, sold salted by the Basques, an enigmatic people with a mysterious, unlimited supply of cod. As we make our way through the centuries of cod history, we also find a delicious legacy of recipes, and the tragic story of environmental failure, of depleted fishing stocks where once their numbers were legendary. In this lovely, thoughtful history, Mark Kurlansky ponders the question: Is the fish that changed the world forever changed by the world's folly?
"Every once in a while a writer of particular skill takes a fresh, seemingly improbable idea and turns out a book of pure delight. Such is the case of Mark Kurlansky and the codfish." -David McCullough, author of The Wright Brothers and 1776
Ratings (11)
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Reader Stats (29):
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Want To Read (10) | |
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Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World?
About the Author:
Mark Kurlansky is the New York Times bestselling author of Cod, Salt, Paper, The Basque History of the World, 1968, The Big Oyster, International Night, The Eastern Stars, A Continent of Islands, and The White Man in the Tree and Other Stories. He received the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Nonviolence, Bon Appetit's Food Writer of the Year Award, the James Beard Award, and the Glenfiddich Award. Salt was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist. He spent ten years as Caribbean correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. He lives in New York City. www.markkurlansky.com.
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