51 pages • 1 hour read
Salt: A World History
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Book Brief
496
Book • Nonfiction
Various Locations • Throughout History
2002
Adult
16-99 years
1260L
Super Short Summary
In Salt: A World History, Mark Kurlansky explores how salt has shaped empires, wars, and economies from ancient times to the present, detailing its early uses in China and Egypt, its vital role in Roman conquests, and its influence on pivotal events like the American and French Revolutions and Gandhi's fight for Indian independence, ultimately considering why such an abundant resource was historically treated as precious. Topics related to war and colonial oppression are present in the narrative.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Challenging
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mark Kurlansky's Salt: A World History is lauded for its engaging narrative and rich historical detail, making a seemingly mundane topic captivating. Critics praise its thorough research and broad scope. However, some find the book's tangents and extensive trivia distracting. Overall, it is a compelling read for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Salt: A World History?
A reader who relishes delving into the intricate tapestry of human history through the lens of commonplace commodities would appreciate Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. Fans of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Simon Winchester's The Map That Changed the World will find this book particularly engrossing.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
An Indian leader who utilized the salt tax issue to unite diverse religious communities in the fight against British colonial rule through non-violent protests and symbolic acts of defiance.
Clarence Birdseye
Clarence Birdseye
An innovator in the frozen food industry whose techniques led to a shift in food preservation, transforming the perception of salted foods from staples to luxury items.
Sir Humphry Davy
Sir Humphry Davy
A British chemist known for his pioneering work in electrolysis, which led to the isolation of key elements and advanced the scientific understanding of salt.
496
Book • Nonfiction
Various Locations • Throughout History
2002
Adult
16-99 years
1260L
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