David's review
The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell by Mark Kurlansky
Kurlansky wrote Salt: A World History; Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World; and A Basque History of the World (which has recipes at the end of every chapter and, like the Basques, is devoted in many ways to food). He has his schtick down, and he's sticking to it. Fortunately, it's a pretty good schtick, and The Big Oyster is another entertaining book blending Kurlansky's dual fascination with history and food, this time through the tale of the once-omnipresent New York oysters.
I'm definitely glad I read this book after coming to New York. I think I would have enjoyed it differently if he'd written it earlier.
I'm definitely glad I read this book after coming to New York. I think I would have enjoyed it differently if he'd written it earlier.
