All books are shipped from New Zealand 📚

Try our Gift Wrap Service free this weekend only 🎁

WRAPITUP

Salt

3.76 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 73,551 ratings, 4,766 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Salt by Mark Kurlansky explores the history and impact of salt on human civilization. It delves into the ways this essential mineral has influenced economies, cultures, and even wars throughout history. The book combines scientific insights with fascinating historical anecdotes, showcasing salt's crucial role in shaping the world we know today.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3500
GET IT FOR CHRISTMAS | OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by history and enjoy learning about how something as simple as salt has influenced economies, cultures, and wars across centuries. The author weaves together science, politics, and cuisine in an engaging narrative that goes far beyond a mere culinary ingredient.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Salt

Wars have been fought over salt and, while salt taxes secured empires across Europe and Asia, they have also inspired revolution - Gandhi's salt march in 1930 began the overthrow of British rule in India.

The magnificent story of how a common rock has shaped civilization.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Discover the extraordinary journey of an essential mineral in Salt by Mark Kurlansky. This compelling book narrates the fascinating history of salt and its profound impact on human civilisation. Through an intricate weaving of various tales, the book explores how this humble yet vital substance has been more than just a seasoning; it has been a cornerstone of empires, a catalyst for wars, and a symbol of both wealth and oppression.

Homer called it a divine substance. Plato described it as especially dear to the gods. As Mark Kurlansky so brilliantly relates here, salt has shaped civilisation from the beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of mankind. Wars have been fought over salt; while salt taxes secured empires across Europe and Asia, they also inspired revolution—Gandhi's salt march in 1930 began the overthrow of British rule in India.

In his narrative, Kurlansky guides readers through key historical moments: from the rural Sichuan province where the last home-made soya sauce is crafted, to the ancient Cheshire brine springs that supplied salt across the globe. Each chapter provides a new revelation, drawing on political, commercial, scientific, religious, and culinary contexts to present a holistic and engaging story.

Kurlansky's extensive research and captivating storytelling transform what could be a mundane topic into a kaleidoscope of world history. Readers are treated to an exploration of how salt's influence permeated different cultures and periods, offering insights into trade routes, culinary practices, and even military strategies. This meticulously crafted book is more than a history lesson; it’s a profound exploration of human endeavour and resilience, all through the lens of a single, ubiquitous mineral.

Salt is an essential read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the intricate web of factors that have shaped our world. Mark Kurlansky masterfully brings to life the saga of salt, making it a rich and memorable tale that underscores its significance through the ages.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Salt by Mark Kurlansky is praised for its fascinating and invigorating storytelling, with a lyrical and flowing style that intertwines vivid imagery with compelling facts. Critics find it crisply and elegantly written, piquing readers' appetites and sharpening their senses. The book provides a rich historical account of salt-influenced creations, offering an entertaining and anecdotal narrative throughout.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099281993

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 March 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 342g

Pages: 496

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Mark Kurlansky is the author of 23 books of fiction, nonfiction, children's writing. His best-selling Cod- A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World won the 1999 James Beard Award for Food Writing and the 1999 Glenfiddich Award. His other works include- Salt, The Basque History of the World and the short story collection The White Man in the Tree. He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.

Also by Mark Kurlansky

View all

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Reviews from our customers