It was interesting to read that the location of salt often played into where settlements grew. Trade routes were influenced by salt and machines were invented to move salt. Even some sciences revolved around salt, and the author does a great job of sharing this information with us. The book is written chronologically and starts in old world Egypt, Rome, etc. then it moves into North America, Europe, and so on. We learn about Iodine in salt and salt's relationship to Tabasco sauce. There are some very interesting people highlighted in this book. Who knew that even Gandhi had a relation to salt.
I love that Kurlansky interspersed recipes in his book. I can imagine that the inclusion of them might be annoying to some, but I found them a welcome change when things got slow. To be honest, I have not finished the book yet. It is more enjoyable for me to read it between works of fiction, as there is a great deal of knowledge to absorb in the almost 500 page tome.
It is fun and informative though, and I definitely recommend it to all foodies out there.
- Beverly
Publisher - Penguin Books
Date of Publication - January 28, 2003