The Great Repricing with Jeff Currie

This book chronicles the history of the Atlantic cod, spanning a thousand years and four continents. It introduces readers to explorers, merchants, writers, chefs, and fishermen whose lives have been intertwined with this fish. Kurlansky discusses the commercialization of cod by the Basques in medieval times, the cod wars, and the significant role cod played in world history, including its impact on European food supplies, the settlement of North America, and its current status facing extinction. The book is enriched with gastronomic details, recipes, and lore from the Middle Ages to the present.

This book details the significant impact of salt on world history, from its use in food preservation and cooking to its influence on politics, economies, and social structures. Kurlansky discusses how salt was a highly sought-after commodity, influencing empires, financing wars, and shaping various customs and traditions. The book covers the production, control, and use of salt across different eras and regions, including its role in slavery, taxation, and industrialization. It also touches on the scientific and technological aspects of salt production and its health effects.

Cattle Kingdom reveals the story of how the West rose and fell, and how its legacy continues to shape America today. The book explores the open-range cattle era, from dust-choked cattle drives to boomtowns like Abilene and Cheyenne, and introduces a diverse cast of characters, including cowboy Teddy Blue and future president Teddy Roosevelt. It offers a fresh perspective on the Old West, highlighting the economic and social dynamics that defined this era.