Description
Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky is an award-winning work of nonfiction that traces global history through the story of a single fish species. Beginning around 1000 AD with the Vikings’ discovery of cod, this historical narrative reveals how the fish shaped exploration, trade, cuisine, and economic power across centuries.
Winner of the 1999 James Beard Award, the book examines cod’s central role in medieval European diets, transatlantic exploration, and the growth of fishing empires. From the Basques’ salted cod trade to the frozen and dried cod that sustained Atlantic voyages, this humble fish becomes a recurring protagonist in world history.
Beyond culinary legacy, Kurlansky also explores the environmental consequences of overfishing and depleted stocks, presenting a cautionary tale about resource management. With 294 pages in paperback format, Cod blends food history, maritime exploration, and environmental reflection into a compelling narrative about how one species influenced global development.
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