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Cod

A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
The cod has played a vital part in livelihoods, diets, and health in general—as well as roles in national economies and international wars. Drawing on his love of food and food culture, Mark Kurlansky leaps into history and folklore to explore how this innocuous fish had such an impact over the centuries. Kurlansky recounts how the cod spurred interest in the development of North America and caused a whole nation of people to jump into fishing and ocean exploration. In addition to providing word origins, this audiobook contains uses for all kinds of cod and recipes dating from the fourteenth century.
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    • AudioFile Magazine
      Kurlansky's engaging tale of how the human taste for cod has driven economic, cultural, political, and military history became a surprise bestseller when it was published in 1997. It's a fascinating mix of quirky anecdotes, traditional history, and interviews with the people who pull up fish for us to eat. Richard M. Davidson brings verve and energy to the narration, sometimes too much verve--after all, not every codfish fact deserves a verbal exclamation point. Yet, on the whole, his enthusiasm and clear, warm voice engage even the most fish-phobic listener in this well told tale of the cod. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 2, 1997
      No fish story, this is a sapient and vivid chronology of the immense impact and influence the cod fishing industry has had on the human race. The cod fish has played a major role in the economics, sustainability and diplomacy of many countries and societies throughout history, explains Kurlansky (A Continent of Islands). Kurlansky effectively weaves philosophical thought with facts and vignettes on the history of the various cod fishing enterprises that have emerged and faded through the ages. Wars over fishing territories and rights have plagued cod fishing ever since humans took to the sea, and Kurlansky traces these hostilities through short history lessons that are easily absorbed and understood. Personal quotes and cod recipes from slaves, kings, diplomats, fisherman and noted scholars such as Thoreau and Kipling cast a glistening view of the grasp this fishing industry had on society. The book's final section, "A Cook's Tale: Six Centuries of Cod Recipes" describes the use and preparation of cod from the days of the Vikings through the 1900s. Complete with a detailed bibliography, this remarkable and informative volume should net any number of happy readers. Illustrations. Rights: Charlotte Sheedy.

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  • English

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