A fascinating oblique view on the history of new york from pre-european settlement to the 20th century. .. and you learn about oysters too. ( )

This was my first Mark Kurlansky book and I am happy to report I wasn't disappointed. At first I was skeptical about the size of the book in relation to its subject-matter (afterall, my previous major encounter with a book on oysters was the slim and elegantly written Consider the Oyster by M. F. K. Fisher). But indeed there are many things to consider while reviewing Manhattan's history using oysters as the parameter. Absorbing, fluid, interesting, and delectable! One drawback: I had incredible oyster cravings throughout my reading... ( )

Having grown up with my family having property on Hood Canal in Washington State, one of the premiere oyster farming spots in the Pacific Northwest, and snacking on raw oysters on the beach at as early as 5 years old, the prospect of a Kurlansky book about oysters was intriguing, to say the least. I was blown away by Salt: A World History, and I think that it was one of the best books that I have read in years.

Unfortunately, The Big Oyster was underwhelming. I am sure that New Yorkers find this book amazing and love the way it tells the story of their oyster past in the comfortable prose that Kurlansky is able to present history in. For someone that has never even visited New York, it was kind of boring. I didn't know the various streets that he often would mention and there was no reference map to guide me. The storyline he puts forward ends up rather anti-climactic, as well. There is the writing on the wall towards the beginning that the oysters will not last, and eventually they don't. In the end, the oysters peter out, just like the book. One chapter they are bumping up the price of oysters, and the next they are gone and in the same chapter the book is done.

I would have loved to hear more about the transplanting of oysters to the Pacific, the fate and influence of the exported oysters, I would have like a little more accessibility to New York geography descriptions for the non-native. I guess, really, I would have loved Oysters: A World History instead of what I got. Oysters have been a big part of a lot of cultures and a lot of economies and a lot of history. I have heard oyster stories integral to cultures from Scotland to Seattle.

If you are a New Yorker, buy it and love it. If you love New York, buy it and love it. If you love oysters but have no connection to New York, leave it be and save your time for another book.

NYC's historic oyster population and includes recipes etc. An interesting tidbit and some food for thought. ( )

the rather fascinating story of how oysters and new york city developed together, and how they changed the "natural" landscape of early america. kurlansky is an excellent writer; read this book and find new respect for an industrious mollusk. ( )