Donna E. (impossible) reviewed Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Well written. Very interesting look at history from the standpoint of a food source. Made me look for other books to cover bits of history mentioned in this one. Closes with a fine selection of useable, historic cod recipes.
Helpful Score: 2
Mr. Kurlansky did his homework. I enjoyed the book but didn't make it all the way through. I found the part about the history of the fish with the Catholic church particularly interesting.
Helpful Score: 1
A really great little book and a wonderfully insightful history of cod and it's destruction by humans. The ending wasn't entirely inspiring but the book was overall great!
Sharon R. (hazeleyes) reviewed Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World on + 331 more book reviews
From Library Journal
In this engaging history of a "1000-year fishing spree," Kurlansky (A Continent of Islands: Searching for the Caribbean Destiny, LJ 1/92) traces the relationship of cod fishery to such historical eras and events as medieval Christianity and Christian observances; international conflicts between England and Germany over Icelandic cod; slavery, the molasses trade, and the dismantling of the British Empire; and, the evolution of a sophisticated fishing industry in New England. Kurlansky relates this information in an entertaining style while providing accurate scientific information. The story does not have a happy ending, however. The cod fishery is in trouble, deep trouble, as the Atlantic fish has been fished almost to extinction. Quoting a scientist from the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory, Massachusetts, Kurlansky notes that to forecast the recovery of the cod population is to gamble: "There is only one known calculation: 'When you get to zero, it will produce zero.'" Highly recommended for all general collections.?Mary J. Nickum, Bozeman, Mont.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc
In this engaging history of a "1000-year fishing spree," Kurlansky (A Continent of Islands: Searching for the Caribbean Destiny, LJ 1/92) traces the relationship of cod fishery to such historical eras and events as medieval Christianity and Christian observances; international conflicts between England and Germany over Icelandic cod; slavery, the molasses trade, and the dismantling of the British Empire; and, the evolution of a sophisticated fishing industry in New England. Kurlansky relates this information in an entertaining style while providing accurate scientific information. The story does not have a happy ending, however. The cod fishery is in trouble, deep trouble, as the Atlantic fish has been fished almost to extinction. Quoting a scientist from the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory, Massachusetts, Kurlansky notes that to forecast the recovery of the cod population is to gamble: "There is only one known calculation: 'When you get to zero, it will produce zero.'" Highly recommended for all general collections.?Mary J. Nickum, Bozeman, Mont.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc
John O. (buzzby) -
Short little book, that could be described as an undisciplined romp. Rather enjoyable, but somewhat unfocussed.
Cod is a charming tour of history with all its economic forces laid bare and a fish story embellished with great gastronomic detail. A depetively whimsical biography of a fish.
Hientrinh L. (antaeus) reviewed Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World on + 34 more book reviews
Surprisingly interesting.
Lauren T. (littlegirl) -
This short read (just about 300 pages) is a great chronology impact and influence the cod fishing industry has had on society. It provides enough detail and background of world events (economic, political, military, etc) to understand how they impacted the fishing industry without getting mired in too many details. The book also provides awesome insight into the people whose lives have been forever altered by this one industry, that at first glance sounds small, but in reality is much bigger and far-reaching that you would have thought. Looking forward to reading Mark's other books - Salt and the Big Oyster.
Cod- it's what's for dinner! Salty Dinner
