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  • Salt

  • A World History
  • By: Mark Kurlansky
  • Narrated by: Scott Brick
  • Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (55 ratings)

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Salt cover art

Salt

By: Mark Kurlansky
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

So much of our human body is made up of salt that we'd be dead without it. The fine balance of nature, the trade of salt as a currency of many nations and empires, the theme of a popular Shakespearean play... Salt is best selling author Mark Kurlansky's story of the only rock we eat.

From its single origin, to the other discoveries made because of it, fascinating tales of salt and the people who have been involved with it through the ages are interwoven here. Fifteen recipes are included that will meet with every taste. Mark Kurlansky has produced a kaleidoscope of history, a multi-layered masterpiece that blends economic, scientific, political, religious, and culinary records into a rich and memorable tale.

Enjoy Mark Kurlansky's books? Listen to an interview with the author on To the Best of Our Knowlege.
©2002 Mark Kurlansky (P)2002 New Millenium Audio, All Rights Reserved

Critic Reviews

"A piquant blend of the historic, political, commercial, scientific and culinary, the book is sure to entertain as well as educate." (Publishers Weekly)
"Kurlansky continues to prove himself remarkably adept at taking a most unlikely candidate and telling its tale with epic grandeur." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A good book to dip into

Interesting topic and historical vignettes. The authors passion and research clearly come through. My primary critique is there is a lot of repetition of information and a bit of a feeling that there is little to say in 13 hours. The book was well read and works best in short sessions to avoid the sameness of the chapters.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Salty sweet goodness

Great book, take somthing as simple as salt and look at it in a whole new way. Understanding the power and control it had, and still does is worth the read. A highly recommend read.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Full of things you didn't know you didn't know

Loved it. A bit dense for me in the middle. Picked back up at the end.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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If you only knew!

I survived, healed and thrived on unrefined wholesome salt and water only for 33 days. No food, no liquids, just water and wholesome salt.... got rid of almost 37 ailments that plagued my body. went to an island in Philippines and spent almost nothing, just a cheap. rental. beach, water, salt and swimming daily. You can do it! it will cost you less than your coffee addiction 😍

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Salt review

Very interesting book to listen too. I found it to be well researched and written , plus delivered in a enjoyable manner.

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It will make you hungry

This book is such fun. A delightful mix of science, history, personalities, wars, culture all skillfully told and the central character the rock we eat. Have read twice. Great non fiction.

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Fascinating history, well told

This is a unique insight into world history through the lens of salt as it affects economies and lifestyles. The narrator brings out the dry humour, sharp observations and wistfulness of the author.

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Oversalted

Aside from the fascinating chapter on Chinese history, this felt flat, essentially a series of facts and anecdotes. I’ve really enjoyed other books by Kurlansky (particularly The Big Oyster) but this one was a bit dull.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.