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  • Salt

  • A World History
  • By: Mark Kurlansky
  • Narrated by: Scott Brick
  • Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (100 ratings)
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Salt cover art

Salt

By: Mark Kurlansky
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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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)

What listeners say about Salt

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • mr
  • 13-07-21

All over the place, but in a good way

I think this is a bonkers book! It covers salt in ways you could not expect. Its a book for the curious. Its all over the place geographically, chemically, commercially etc etc. Brilliant to read in small doses - the classic Necessary Room reader!!

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

good facts but a bit of a list

bit of a slog towards the end but some very interesting facts along the way

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

you'll never run out of salt facts at the pub

and salt turns up in conversation quite a lot. so read this and annoy all your friends with the best historical document I have come upon.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great book.

Ok, its a book about the white stuff you get in packets in restaurants, so what?
This is quite honestly one of the best history books I have listened to, because it deals with a subject that nobody would think is either interesting or important but it truly is a revelation.
I have no hesitation to recommend this audio book as it shows how a simple thing like sodium chloride has shaped the history and geography of the world.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Was pretty boring

I picked up this, because I was interested on the history of salt, and heard some big hypes about its importance. Maybe it's just me, this book seriously lacks enthusiasm, and makes salt seem more important than it probably actually was. In addition, there are so many pages filled with just ancient recipes of salt that this could also be placed in the Cooking section.

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Wrong info

I stop listening this when book said that average American eats 120g salt per day seriously 😂

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