Cod

A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World

by Mark Kurlansky

Review

The subtitle of Mark Kurlansky’s Cod, “A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World” offers a clue to the scope of the story readers have in store for them. Opening on the headlands of Newfoundland, Cod spans a thousand years and four continents. From the Vikings to today’s current sad state of affairs, Mark Kurlansky introduces the explorers, merchants, writers, chefs, and of course the fishermen, whose lives have interwoven with this prolific fish.

Kurlansky spins a good yarn, and the tale is made all the better with the charming accompanying illustrations, bits of folklore, and six centuries of Cod recipes. Who would have thought such a common fish would have such an uncommon influence in shaping history?

“Every once in a while a writer of particular skill takes a fresh, seemingly improbable idea and turns out a book of pure delight. Such is the case of Mark Kurlansky and the codfish. No one who reads this charming tale will ever think the same again of either the fish or history.”—David McCullough

A fascinating read—highly recommended. Cheers, Michelle.

Comment by Michelle on 02/24/2008 at 12:46 PM

Abstract

A review of the book 'Cod' by Mark Kurlansky pertaining to cod fishery, commercial fishing, history of fishing, cookbooks, recipe book, cook books, Mark Kurlansky recipe books, book reviews and recipes.