Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World

The biography of a single fish species, "Cod" by Mark Kurlansky, is more than just a tale of a humble creature; it is a captivating world history with this fish as its recurring main character. Kurlansky's third work of nonfiction and the winner of the 1999 James Beard Award, "Cod" provides an unexpected and energetic look at world history on both sea and land.

The codfish, it turns out, is the reason Europeans set sail across the Atlantic, and it is the only reason they could. In icy Greenland and on the five expeditions to America recorded in the Icelandic sagas, the Vikings found sustenance in the form of cod, frozen and dried in the frosty air, then broken into pieces and eaten like hardtack. Cod was also the staple of the medieval diet, sold salted by the Basques, an enigmatic people with a mysterious and unlimited supply of the fish.

As readers delve into the centuries of cod history, they are treated to a delicious legacy of recipes and the tragic story of environmental failure, where once-legendary fishing stocks have become depleted. Kurlansky's "lovely, thoughtful history" ponders the question: "Is the fish that changed the world forever changed by the world's folly?"

The author's exceptional skill in taking a "fresh, seemingly improbable idea" and turning it into a "book of pure delight" has not gone unnoticed. As David McCullough, the author of "The Wright Brothers" and "1776," aptly states, "Every once in a while a writer of particular skill takes a fresh, seemingly improbable idea and turns out a book of pure delight. Such is the case of Mark Kurlansky and the codfish."

The story of the codfish is not just a tale of a single species; it is a reflection of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Kurlansky's work invites readers to consider the consequences of our actions and the delicate balance that sustains the ecosystems upon which we depend. Through the lens of this humble fish, the author weaves a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of history, culture, and the human experience.

In "Cod," Kurlansky has crafted a masterpiece that seamlessly blends historical facts, culinary delights, and environmental concerns. The book's unique perspective and engaging storytelling make it a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of world history and the enduring impact of a single, seemingly ordinary species.

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