The Big Oyster (Abridged): History on the Half Shell Audiobook

" Interesting history of the oyster in America that was entertaining but at times too concerned with US history. Many parts of the book--especially within part 1--read as if the author was writing a history of New York and would merely sprinkle references about oysters that fit the time period he was discussing. That is not true for the entirety of part 1, but there are many instances where Kurlansky delves into US history so much that he neglects the oyster. Part 2, on the other hand, was very precise and focused, really giving you the sense of the oyster's place in America from colonial times to the present. I would give it an additional half-star if able. "

" An interesting and entertaining account of the oyster industry. "

" I'm addicted to books like this, what can I say. "

" Once again Kurlansky makes the trivial fascinating. I enjoyed his method of tracing social, natural and cultural history through a single object. Now I want to feast on oysters (but none from New York City!) "

" A nice little history of New York City and its mighty estuary with the emphasis on its local oysters. These bivalves were a staple for rich and poor for over 300 hundred years until pollution fouled our waters. "

" So very interesting! A must-read for New Yorkers or New York-o-philes. Or American history buffs. Or people who really really like oysters. "

" I thought this was an incredibly compelling book--no more so than Kurlansky's others, but somehow it read more like a novel. I almost couldn't put it down. It could also have been my fascination with NYC--and my love of oysters. I am boring everyone I meet with all the crazy anecdotes I've learned! "

" I've read most of Kurlansky's books, and I enjoyed the majority of them. This one was as good as Cod but not as good as Salt. It's more of a history of New York City as told from the point of view of the oyster trade and consumers. The book was engaging and enjoyable, although the state of the New York harbor's waters at the end was depressing. Still, good book. "

" Any book by Kurlansky is chock full of information and historical tidits. Learn about NYC and its history from a unique perspective! "

" one of the best books about early manhattan history, told through the story of the oyster. learn factoids about nyc to impress your friends! "

" my first read by him. a bit tedious at times, but a great perspective on NYC and those tasty treats. i love the history of oyster stands, restaurants, and recipes. "

" What a story and the history of NYC in a shell - not nut oyster! "

" Scarcely worth the time unless you want two dozen centuries old recipes for oysters. Quite a disappointment. "

" This book is a whimsical history of New York City and its waterways; as seen through its oyster fishery. Full review when I finish. But if you like NYC or Oysters it will amuse you. "

" A study of New York history, viewed through the eyes(?) of the oyster. An interesting, if occasionally repetitive read -- how many versions of oyster stew recipes does a reader really need in order to understand that New Yorkers ate a lot of a oyster? I say one or two; Mark Kurlansky disagrees. "

" A book about how the oyster shaped New York....and how the growth of New York affected the oyster populations. Food history fans will enjoy it. "

" I really like Kurlansky's writing, and this tale of the New York oyster blends the local and global history effecting the oyster, biology, and a few recipes into a very engaging read about the popular bivalve. The book design is fun too. "

" Very interesting history of New York as seen through the oyster industry. Kurlansky is witty and knowledgable, and the book is eminently readable. "

" Delectable and intriguing story of the NY oyster and it's influence on the growth of the grand city of New York. If you're curious to learn all about the slimy delicasy or are enthralled by the growth of a city...I absolutely recommend. "

" What a great read! This tells the story of New York City from the age of industrialism to current day--all through our friend, the bi-valve, the oyster! Love this because it's entertaining and you actually learn something. "

" This was a good history of daily life in New York in the time when it was industrializing. Full of fun-facts. Maybe a bit long and slow, but fun. "

" Shucking knife and stainless-steel, chain-mail glove in the mail. Drago's style roasted oysters in the back yard, mignonette and cocktail sauce with fresh grated horseradish on crushed ice? Come on down. "

" Great for NY and for Oyster lovers "

" very interesting... did skim some of it as was not into all the details... however, overlaps w/ Vermeer's Hat and the NY history by Shorto so all good! "

" Great book! Painless history. A fascinating story about oysters and new york city "

" A really neat history book about New York for people who are not from there and didn't grow up on the East coast. "

" What a story and the history of NYC in a shell - not nut oyster! "

" the big soy of the sea, oysters. now someone needs to write the comprehensive history of New Orleans through oysters. "

" New York's waterways produced literally millions of oysters until pollution and rubbish in the harbour killed them off, along with a thriving industry based on a cheap nutritious local food. A familiar story which we seem condemned to repeat over and over again. "

" Interesting view on the history of New York. It's a great quick read with fascinating tid bits. "

" It's a great history of New York City and an even better natural history of the oyster. Ignore the recipes. "

" Any book by Kurlansky is chock full of information and historical tidits. Learn about NYC and its history from a unique perspective! "