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Salt

A World History
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( 80,497 ratings, 5,471 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 explores the profound impact of this tiny mineral on the course of human history. From its role as a precious commodity and currency to its influence on trade, warfare, and empires, the book reveals how salt has shaped civilisation. Mark Kurlansky's narrative is rich with intriguing details and colourful characters, transforming a common substance into a compelling historical journey.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5499

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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?

Salt is perfect for history enthusiasts, food lovers, and readers curious about how everyday elements have shaped our world. Those interested in cultural and economic history will find this an engaging and insightful read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The bestselling author of "Cod" and "The Basque History" turns his attention to salt, a common household item with a long and intriguing history. In this multilayered masterpiece, Kurlansky explains how salt provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions.

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

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | THE BOOK BEHIND THE VIRAL TIKTOK

One tiny rock. One epic history.

"A must-have for any serious cook or foodie." — Anthony Bourdain
"This is a 'wow!' book: roving, startling, engaging." — Washington Post
"Kurlansky finds the world in a grain of salt." — New York Times Book Review

An unlikely world history from the bestselling author of Milk! and Cod.

You’ll never look at salt the same way again. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilisation from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions.

Populated by colourful characters and filled with an unending series of fascinating details, Salt is a supremely entertaining, multi-layered masterpiece.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780142001615

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 January 2003

Country: United States

Imprint: Penguin USA

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 318g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Mark Kurlansky is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including Cheesecake, The Food of a Younger Land, Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World; Salt: A World History; 1968: The Year That Rocked the World; and The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell. He has received the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, Bon Appetit’s Food Writer of the Year Award, the James Beard Award, and the Glenfiddich Award. He lives in New York City.

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