Description
Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky is a fascinating work of narrative history that examines how one seemingly ordinary fish profoundly shaped global politics, trade, exploration and culture over the course of a millennium. Blending economic history, culinary traditions and environmental insight, Kurlansky reveals cod’s extraordinary influence on world development.
Spanning four continents and more than a thousand years, the book traces cod’s role in empire-building, warfare, commerce and national survival, from Viking Age exploration to modern industrial fishing. Through richly detailed storytelling, Kurlansky connects the rise of economies and societies to this once-abundant species while also highlighting the ecological consequences that have pushed cod populations toward collapse.
Engaging, informative and unexpectedly compelling, Cod is an excellent choice for readers interested in history, food culture, environmental studies and the hidden forces that shape civilizations.
