First published 2006
Before the Big Apple, there was the Big Oyster. Mark Kurlansky reveals how these bivalves dominated New York's economy, cuisine, and ecology for centuries. From the Lenape Indians' oyster-fueled feasts to the slimy slums of the Five Points, Kurlansky deftly weaves a tapestry of New York history. Discover the hidden stories behind icons like Peter Stuyvesant and the birth of the business lunch. With vivid characters and surprising anecdotes, this dynamic narrative charts the rise and fall of the mighty oyster and its profound impact on the shaping of the city.
Genres: history, 20th-century, american, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-exploration, historical-narrative
Setting: New York (State), New York
336 pages · Paperback · Vintage Books USA