Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World - Hardcover

Kurlansky, Mark

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0224051040 ISBN 13: 9780224051040

Publisher: Jonathan Cape, 1998

Synopsis

The Cod. Wars have been fought over it, revolutions have been triggered by it, national diets have been based on it, economies and livelihoods have depended on it. This book spans 1,000 years and four continents. From the Vikings to Clarence Birdseye, the author introduces the explorers, merchants, writers, chefs, and fishermen whose lives have been interwoven with this prolific fish. He chronicles the cod wars of the 16th and 20th centuries. He blends in recipes and lore from the Middle Ages to the present. In a story that brings world history and human passions into focus, he shows how the most profitable fish in history is today faced with extinction.

About this title

Product Description

Cod For use in schools and libraries only. A witty romp through history uses the codfish as its main character. Full description

Review

You probably enjoy eating codfish, but reading about them? Mark Kurlansky has written a fabulous book--well worth your time--about a fish that probably has mattered more in human history than any other. The cod helped inspire the discovery and exploration of North America. It had a profound impact upon the economic development of New England and eastern Canada from the earliest times. Today, however, over- fishing is a constant threat. Kurlansky sprinkles his well-written and occasionally humorous history with interesting asides on the possible origin of the word codpiece and dozens of fish recipes. Sometimes a book on an offbeat or neglected subject really makes the grade. This is one of them.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jonathan Cape
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0224051040
• ISBN 13: 9780224051040
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304