First published 2002
Salt was once a precious commodity, a driver of exploration, trade, and even war. In "Salt," Mark Kurlansky reveals how this humble mineral has shaped human civilization, from the ancient empires of China and Rome to the modern age. Follow the story of salt's rise and fall, from the days when it was worth its weight in gold to the era of cheap, industrial salt production. Discover how this essential element influenced the geopolitics, economics, and even gastronomy of the past. In Kurlansky's skilled hands, the history of salt becomes a spellbinding tale of power, ambition, and the very flavor of the human experience.
Genres: history, science, social-science, non-fiction
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-exploration, informative-narrative
483 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books