Cod: A Global History

Edible

by Elisabeth Townsend

From Viking fisheries to Portuguese bacalao and beyond, a delectable and informative journey through cod fact, cuisine, and lore.
 
This is the first culinary history of a truly remarkable fish. Elisabeth Townsend follows cod around the globe, showing how its pursuit began with the Vikings, and exploring its influence on human affairs ever since. The book looks at the different ways cod has been caught, cooked, and eaten, often by the descendants of explorers, enslaved people, and traders. Cod examines the fish in the myths and legends of the North Atlantic, the West Indies, South America, West and Southeast Africa, and across the Indian Ocean to the Far East. It is a fascinating journey through cod fact and lore and features delectable historical and contemporary recipes that showcase the myriad ways cod can be consumed.

Genres: Food, History

180 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2022

Reviews

[Maria João · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um pequeno livro sobre o nosso “fiel amigo”, que se foca principalmente na sua importância cultural e socio-económica ao longo da História e até aos nossos dias. Apesar de este peixe ser tão familiar para os Portugueses, é sempre interessante saber mais e até descobrir factos inusitados, como por exemplo o factos de os Noruegueses o consumirem após ser demolhado em soda cáustica, ou o bacalhau figurar no panteão culinário de culturas longínquas do Atlântico Norte, como a Nigéria ou Goa.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Largely an historical narrative of cod fishing, which definitely works for an Edible book. Might have liked to see some more social history, too.

[S D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my number one cod history book, but still very good historical overview. More up to date than others.