Teton Co Library Call No: 333.95 KURLANSKY
Marisa's rating: 3 stars

Well, if you were wondering if this book could possibly be all about the cod fish -- it most definitely is. However, what makes this book and all "microhistories" is that while this book is mostly on the history of this particular fish (its qualities, its ability to be salted and transported, its tendencies) it is really about the history of North America and its relationship to mainly Europe but also the Caribbean, and how our modern lives are a result of the once prosperous cod trade. Kurlansky is one of the more popular microhistory writers - his understanding and clear articulation of so many historical topics (cod actually had something to do with the American revolution!) through his one cod thread made digesting so much fish information easy and actually enjoyable.