Mark Kurlansky, the bestselling author of Cod and The Basque History of the World, here turns his attention to a common household item with a long and intriguing history: salt. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities,

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Learn how salt is harvested, its other uses, and why wars have been fought over this common, yet important, mineral.

Looks at salt in the countries of North America, examining its natural history, use, technology, environmental impact, and economic significance. --Publisher's descrption.

"So what makes seawater taste salty? Readers will discover how tiny particles of salt from rocks on land are carried into Earth's oceans by rivers, and washed into the sea by ocean waves."--

Briefly introduces the process by which table salt is made from sea salt.

"Salt is a popular seasoning for flavoring food. But how does it get from the sea to a salt shaker? See what happens step by step in the process of making salt. Now in Spanish!"--