The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell
by Mark Kurlansky
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Book Reviews of The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell
Book Review: Do I have to write a book report?
Summary: 1 Stars
I'll grant that Mark Kurlansky did his homework.He provides an extensive Bibliography and the narrative is filled with many, many, many facts. That's exactly the problem. The book is overflowing with details. For the first time in many years I felt I was reading a history assignment - hence the title of this Review.
I did glean many interesting facts, both big and small. Trouble is, the facts just keep coming. As other reviewers have indicated there are numerous recipes in the book but I would venture to say that most of them are for food historians, not chefs. One brief example is the following recipe: "To Roast a Leg of Lamb with Oysters. Take a Leg about two or three Days kill'd. Stuff it all over with Oysters and roast it. Garnish it with horse-raddish." Yup! That's the whole, succinct recipe.
I'll admit that the number old prints reproduced in this book are interesting. But unless you are of the scholarly type I'd save this book for a night when you have insomnia.
Book Review: A fun, yet educating read.
Summary: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. I drove my co-workers crazy with numerous quotes from the book. As a New Jersey native (you know the wetern suburb of NYC) I really found the history amazing, we did not learn these things in school.
I remember many many many years ago wandering in various parts of the neighborhood and digging/unearthing oyster shells... Collecting the unbroken smashed up ones and bringing my bounty home. Always wondering how sea shells, got there? Well, perhaps now, finally, after 50 years I have an idea.
What I found most delightful about this writer, is his way to meander, at just the right pace; so as not to bore me, loose me, but guide me from one step to the other without a stark transition and a feeling of disruption in the calm, relaxation this book provided.
Book Review: An Entertaining and Fun Voyage of Discovery!
Summary: 5 Stars
Who would have thought it possible that anyone could produce a great book on the humble oyster? Intrigued by the cover, I picked up Mark Kurlansky's "The Big Oyster" and embarked on an entertaining and fun voyage of discovery!
I learned that mankind is obsessed with the oyster and has been consuming them for thousands of years. Americans are among the world's biggest producers and consumers of oysters, which played a huge role in the growth of New York city and the young republic.
I found "The Big Oyster" so well written and enthralling that I read it cover to cover, and then went out and bought every book written by Mark Kurlansky. As a voracious consumer of books, it was a wise decision!
I highly recommend this excellent book to anyone searching for a great read!
Book Review: An entertaining mixture
Summary: 4 Stars
A great mix of history, biology, and food. Kurlansky is able to easily shift from the history of the Dutch settlement to oyster taxonomy and classification to recipes for oyster stew. And he points out the links among our history, environment, and our future through what we eat. And to do so while telling a story that is consistently entertaining, often funny, and frequently surprising is an amazing talent. I bought this based on my interest in coastal ecology and culture,and fisheries as well as my enjoyment of Kurlansky's "Cod". I found "The Big Oyster" to be the better of the two reads.Book Review: How can a book about oysters be interesting??????
Summary: 5 Stars
I listened to the audio version of this book.
I couldn't find anything else in the library so I took a chance on this. This book was a very pleasant surprise.
This book covers the biological, economic, and regional historic aspects of the oyster. If you are from New York, this is a must read as this book meanders into the water life, fisheries, politics, and history of the various boroughs.
This is a very rich cultural history and I will look to read/listen more Mark Kurlansky books.