The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell

I have only two issues with the book. Kurlansky neglected to mention that it was Richard Nixon who signed the Clean Water Act. He also failed to mention that it was Robert F Kennedy Jr who was responsible for The River Keepers who forced the clean up if the Hudson with hundreds of lawsuits filed against the polluters.

An intriguing and interesting method of chronicling the history of NYC.

I'm not sure what kind of person would buy this book. It's not 100% history, not 100% science, not 100% recipe, it's a little of everything. After reading this book, I'd say this book is for someone who's not afraid to try something different, some who likes oysters and a little history to go with their oysters. So what is this book about? 1) It's a little bit oysters. The science: such as scientific names, reproduction, anatomy, etc. Just a little, not too much to bore the casual reader, but not enough to interest the casual scientist. I tried to find more about oysters online but there's not a lot of info, I suppose I should go read a book on it. 2) It's a lot about the early to mid-1800's history of New York City. As I like history, I really liked this part. 3) It's a little about oyster recipes. Sprinkled throughout this book are recipes, many from old books and from famous cooks and restaurants. That's a gem. It must have take some effort to collect the recipes and whether you like them or not they are interesting, at least for their historical aspect. 4) It's a little about the history of the oyster trade. This is a very good part of the book as I don't think you could find much written on it anywhere else. 5) New York society in the old days. Talked about the who's who and where they would eat. Interesting reading. 6) New York slums and the inhabitants, also interesting reading. So to summarize, this book is about oysters, the eating of oysters, the oyster trade and New York city. You can't pidgeonhole this book because it's not history, not gastronomy, but a little of everything. It's quite well written and very easy to read. I enjoyed reading it, a break from my regular diet of thrillers. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I'm going to get Cod and Salt, two other books by this author that got mixed reviews. But I think the author deserves my custom after this book.

Kurlansky's books, all three on food, Salt, Cod, Oyster are so full of pearls of knowledge one contantly asks through a read, 'who would have thought? and exclaims, 'why I didn't know that!' What a great way to spend one's time immersed in these seemingly obscure, yet ever present subjects. Highly recommended, entertaining and easy reading.

This book is absolutely captivating, with a perfect mix of New York historical references and oyster science. I'm from the Hudson Valley and like to eat oysters so this book was perfect for me. But don't think this is a stuffy history lesson. The author dishes up the history, the people, the oysters into a lively story that surprises the reader with word pictures of the times that seem so alive. He writes almost like a historical novelist. And the story itself is full of beauty, destruction, tintillating gossip and a sad ending. I'm not so sure I really want to eat oysters anymore, especially if they are from New York. I would read more from this author though.

For centuries New York was famous for its oysters which played a hue role in the city's economy and culinary fame. Oysters were the city's most celebrated export, a staple food, and more, and THE BIG OYSTER: HISTORY ON THE HALF SHELL celebrates this era, from food markets to the extinction of natural beds around the city as the decades passed. From cultivation techniques to recipes, THE BIG OYSTER weaves the story of oyster farming and dining into the greater history of New York to provide a lively culinary and cultural expose. Diane C. Donovan, Editor California Bookwatch

This book is as entertaining and informative as Kurlansky's other tomes about food items. Even someone who doesn't share his love of all things New York can appreciate this book, which, like his others, shows the impact and importance of a basic food item to all levels of society and government.