Salt: A World History

by Mark Kurlansky
Salt: A World History cover
Good Books rating 3.73
History
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  • ID: 1041
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9780802713735
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 3

Salt is not just a condiment; it's a substance that has shaped the course of human history. This book delves into the fascinating journey of salt, exploring how it has influenced trade, politics, and even cultural practices from ancient times to the present day. /n/nFrom the salt mines of ancient Egypt to the salt trade routes of the Silk Road, this book reveals the pivotal role salt has played in the development of societies. It's a tale of human ingenuity, survival, and the often overlooked power of a simple mineral.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · Tracy · 2023-10-25
exceptional 4.50

The book is praised for its exceptional attention to detail and dry humor, making it both educational and entertaining. The author's research is thorough without being showy.

Tracy from Cannonball Read highlights Kurlansky's exceptional attention to detail in Salt: A World History. They appreciate how the author's thorough research is presented in a way that is both educational and entertaining, without feeling like a show-off. Tracy also notes the dry humor scattered throughout the book, which adds a layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. Overall, they find the book to be a well-researched and engaging exploration of salt's impact on history.

Quick quotes

    Kurlansky's attention to detail is exceptional. He has really done his research, but he's not showing off.

    There are bits of dry humor that show the author's wit and make the book more enjoyable.

    The book is both educational and entertaining, making it a great read for history enthusiasts.

Dial H for Houston · 2021-08-22
informative 3.20

The book provides a detailed account of salt's production and use throughout history, offering a unique perspective on world history. The narrative is engaging but can feel disjointed at times.

The review from Dial H for Houston highlights how Salt: A World History flits from one era and locale to the next, detailing the unique ways salt was produced, controlled, and used throughout history. They appreciate the depth of research and the unique angle the book takes on world history. However, they also note that the book's structure can feel disjointed, making it sometimes challenging to follow a clear narrative thread. Despite this, they find the book to be a valuable addition to anyone's understanding of history.

Quick quotes

    Salt: A World History flits from one era and locale to the next, detailing many of the unique ways salt was produced, controlled, and used throughout history.

    The book offers a unique perspective on world history through the lens of salt.

    The narrative can feel disjointed at times, making it challenging to follow a clear thread.

The Guardian · Chris Lavers · 2002-02-15
intriguing 3.50

The book offers a fascinating exploration of salt's historical significance, highlighting its profound influence on human civilization. The narrative is engaging but occasionally lacks a clear structure.

Chris Lavers dives into Mark Kurlansky's Salt: A World History, a book that takes readers on a 5,000-year journey through the history of salt. Lavers appreciates how the book sheds light on the often-overlooked role of salt in shaping economies, cultures, and even wars. However, they note that while the information is intriguing, the book sometimes feels like a collection of interesting facts rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite this, Lavers finds the book to be a captivating read that broadens one's perspective on history.

Quick quotes

    A 5,000-year odyssey that shows how sodium chloride has profoundly influenced human civilization.

    The book is intended as a collection of fascinating facts about salt.

    It is not really a global history but a series of vignettes.

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