Salt: A World History
Overall Ranking 4) Totally Optional
What is the book about?
You might think a book titled Salt: A World History would be, well, about salt. And you'd be right, but it's so much more. And who better to write that history than Mark Kurlansky, the author who famously wrote an entire book on cod that was actually interesting to read. Now he does the same for those tiny rock crystals we sprinkle on our fries—salt. Yes, salt. Kurlansky takes you on a sweeping global journey, revealing how this seemingly simple mineral, the only rock we eat, has profoundly shaped human civilization. From economies and politics to wars and cultural practices, Kurlansky demonstrates how salt has been an unseen, yet powerful, force throughout history.
Key Takeaways
Salt's Ubiquitous Influence: Salt has been a crucial factor in shaping global history, far beyond its role as a simple seasoning. It has been a valuable commodity, used as currency and a driver of trade, leading to the rise and fall of empires.
The Importance of Preservation: It describes how salt has been a vital preservative, allowing for long-distance trade and the sustenance of populations.
Cultural Impact: Kurlansky explores how salt has influenced cultural practices, religious rituals, and culinary traditions around the world.
The Interconnectedness of History: The book illustrates how seemingly disparate events and cultures are connected through the common thread of salt.
Would I recommend reading it?
Alright, let's cut to the chase: Salt: A World History is a slow burn, not a page-turning thriller. If you've just emerged from the witty, rapid-fire world of The Upstairs Delicatessen, prepare for a gear shift. This is a deep dive, a historical marathon, and yes, there were moments, especially in Part II (hello, cadavers and fish guts!), where I considered throwing in the towel. But here's the thing: stick with it. Like a good brined pickle, it gets better with time. Thankfully, the narrative arc shifts, and you'll be rewarded for your perseverance.
Kurlansky breaks down the salty saga into three parts: "A Discourse on Salt, Cadavers, and Pungent Sauces" (yep, that's the one that almost broke me), "The Glow of Herring and the Scent of Conquest," and "Sodium’s Perfect Marriage."
And here's what makes it shine: it's not just a dry history lesson. You get to see why salt mattered to different cultures, how they extracted it, and even get a sprinkle of historical recipes. It's like a culinary time capsule. Kurlansky's writing is aimed at us regular folks, not dusty academics. He takes us on a global tour, from ancient Egypt to modern Europe, with pit stops in China, India, and Africa. While he gives a nod to everyone, he does spend a good chunk of time in Europe and China, which is worth noting.
Now, the ending will feel a bit…abrupt. Like Kurlansky hit a word count and had to slam on the brakes. He touches on colonialism and slavery, but they're quick glimpses in a much larger picture. He could have written a salt encyclopedia, frankly (but I am also secretly glad he didn't). He keeps the science light, thankfully, but still manages to show us the fascinating world of different salts.
While being non-fiction stylistically he ditches footnotes and in-text citations but does include a solid bibliography.
This book is a classic for a reason. It's a testament to the power of a good story, even when it's about something as seemingly simple as salt. But here's the kicker: if you're looking for a thrill-a-minute read, this ain't it. This is a slow, deliberate journey, a bit like watching salt crystals form. If you prefer your history with a side of adrenaline, you might want to look elsewhere.
But if you're willing to be patient, Salt: A World History will reward you with a newfound appreciation for the mineral that shaped our world. Is it going to change your world view or day to day? No. Is it going to be something that you talk about at dinner parties? Also no. For those reasons, I am recommending this as a "Totally Optional" book to read. It is interesting, well written, and worth checking out at the library, but not so good that you should seek it out to keep on your shelf forever.
Books to Bowls OUT!
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