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  • Published: 7 August 2014
  • ISBN: 9780147511669
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $22.99

The Story of Salt



The fascinating nonfiction picture book account of salt's role in shaping world history--great for Middle Grade readers!

"[T]his salutary…micro-history will have young readers lifting their shakers in tribute."
—Kirkus Reviews, *starred review*

"A lively and well-researched title, with exemplary art."
—School Library Journal, *starred review*

From the team that created the ALA Notable Book The Cod's Tale comes the fascinating history of salt, which has been the object of wars and revolutions and is vital for life.

Based on Mark Kurlansky's critically acclaimed bestseller Salt: A World History, this handsome picture book explores every aspect of salt: The many ways it's gathered from the earth and sea; how ancient emperors in China, Egypt, and Rome used it to keep their subjects happy; Why salt was key to the Age of Exploration; what salt meant to the American Revolution; And even how the search for salt eventually led to oil. Along the way, you'll meet a Celtic miner frozen in salt, learn how to make ketchup, and even experience salt's finest hour: Gandhi's famous Salt March.

  • Published: 7 August 2014
  • ISBN: 9780147511669
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

Mark Kurlansky

Mark Kurlansky is the bestselling author of several bestselling nonfiction titles including Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World (winner of the Glenfiddich Best Food Book Award), The Basque History of the World, Salt: A World History, 1968: The Year that Rocked the World, a short story collection The White Man in the Tree and a novel, Boogaloo on 2nd Avenue.

Also by Mark Kurlansky

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Praise for The Story of Salt

"[T]his salutary...micro-history will have young readers lifting their shakers in tribute."
--Kirkus Reviews, *starred review*

"Kurlansky uses salt as the lens through which to present a new perspective on history. [T]he author mixes science, history, and personal anecdotes, resulting in a fascinating look at this amazing substance. Schindler's humorously detailed pen-and-ink drawings with colorful washes enliven the narrative and help to convey the wealth of information in the text. A lively and well-researched title, with exemplary art."
--School Library Journal, *starred review*