An amazing history that is both wonderfully told and illustrated. A book that will amuse adults while educating children.

Well done Mr. Kurlansky!

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library!

This finely crafted picture book balances historic, scientific, anthropological and sociological phenomenon of salt. Who knew the incredible historic importance of salt: "When America declared its independence from England, they salt supply was suddenly cut off." Traces the importance salt in the ancient Aztecs of Mexico, Mayans of Central America, Incase of Peru, and Chibcha in Columbia. Even Ghandi got into the act by marching 240 miles in protest of England's law that forcing Indians (from India) to buy salt from Liverpool only. Schindler's illustrations in this detailed nonfiction picture book match the intricately well-researched, diminutive detail of each historic event present.

Very interesting book about the history of salt and its uses in different cultures. I could see this being an interesting way to get kids interested in a unit on world history or different cultures.

Choosing a ubiquitous material we take for granted and putting it into its larger historical context is a wonderful way to introduce children to the wide ranging, civilization-shaping impact of what's in our tabletop shaker. Ever heard of the Great Wall of China? Paid for by the Tang dynasty's control of the salt trade. World exploration? Only possible with sufficient quantities of salted provisions. Egyptian mummies? You guessed it. They need salt too. Even into the 20th century with Gandhi's Salt March, the story of salt is full of 'tasty' tales. Kurlanksy and Schindler have created an informational text that is a pleasure to look at with its amusing and highly detailed illustrations.

Great book. Just the kind of thing I like to read to 2nd and 3rd graders. Accessible science and history for that age.

salt!

The country who controls salt has controlled the world inevery century; follow salt from discovery to it being traded for gold, to the discovery of gigantic salt mines beneath the earth.

Interesting. While detailed enough for Juniors, I would have loved to know more.

Fascinating information. Who knew salt was so interesting? After reading this book, I am definitely adding the adult version to my TBR list.

Great book on the topic, well written, for kids non-fiction, and informative, for me.

This was an intersting look at the history of salt, and how it has changed the world. It takes a look at everything from ancient trade deals, to modern mining. I had read a review of it, so I was surprised when it turned out to be a picture book.

My student's laughed when I told them that salt has a great story. They couldn't imagine that there have been wars over salt, or that people have stolen it and had to go to jail over it. Salt is so common now! Fascinating story!

As the new library specialist of a middle school library, I stumbled upon this picture book as I browsed the collection. I bought two more copies of this beautifully illustrated engaging read so all three of the 6th grade social studies teachers could have a copy in their classrooms where they cover thousands of years of various early civilizations up to the Age of Enlightenment in one year.

While the book opens with Kurlansky's personal story of his salt rock, he quickly transitions to what salt is chemically and to how important this rock, the only rock that all mammals must eat to survive, has been in the development of civilization.

He covers the history of salt in early empires like China, Egypt, and Rome. He shows the influence of salt during the Age of Exploration, the French Revolution, and American Colonialism. Salt has affected our geography, economy, and political structures. As a symbol, salt is strong. Two pages are dedicated to explaining Ghandi's Salt March.

Many of these two-page spreads cover a particular time period or empire. Some of the spreads have inset boxes with extra tidbits of information. For instance, the Roman word for salt sal is the root word for the English words salary and soldier because oftentimes Roman soldiers were paid in salt. The expressions "worth his salt" and "to earn his salt" stem from this Roman usage.

Between the science lessons and social studies content, this book ties together how critical salt has been to shaping our world. A wonderful supplemental text for any teacher covering the development of humankind.