Books About Stuff
I like knowing "random" things about "stuff." This may be how I ended up as a reference librarian. Lately I have noticed that in addition to reading my usual biographies, I am drawn to non-fiction books about everyday substances. These books are sort of like biographies of things instead of people. I have found that such books provide not only entertainment and relaxation, but also fill in gaps in my trivia knowledge that I may need when I finally fulfill my lifelong dream of being a Jeopardy! contestant. I recently finished one about coal, and before that I made my way through the histories of two of the world's most ingested items: caffeine and salt. Here's a little snippet about each of the three books.
Coal: A Human History
by Barbara Freese
This is a cute, short little book about a dirty and ugly, yet very useful rock. It is efficient for heating, yet can wreak havoc on the environment and our lungs. Freese traces the history of the use of coal from its ornamental roots in early Roman society to its first use as a heating fuel in Britain, to the U.S. colonies straight through to modern day environmental concerns. The narrative spans millions of years and the entire planet, yet is a quick read. As an environmental attorney, Freese wraps up the book with a discussion of the Kyoto Agreements. This book has a little more political commentary than I expected, but is excellently researched and well written.
The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World's Most Popular Drug
by Bennett Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer
As a recovering caffeine addict who has been off the drug for several years, I am always fascinated to learn more about this drug. This book is excellent! It is one of my all time favorite books in this genre. Weinberg and Bealer are scientists, and the book is a very thorough, scholarly look at this ubiquitous substance. They provide an excellent chronicle of the history of caffeine, and the coffee and tea industries. The U.S. and England, as well as Japan, are used as examples of countries with a high level of caffeine consumption and are examined in depth. Special attention is paid to the social aspects of caffeine consumption throughout history. Perhaps my favorite part is near the end, when they focus more on the physiological/biological aspects of caffeine. I can never know enough about what is perhaps the one and only completely socially acceptable drug addiction left in the world today.
Salt: A World History
by Mark Kurlansky
While I haven't quite kicked the salt habit, I do find pretzels in all forms and sizes highly addictive thanks to their crystalline adornments. Kurlansky's book is essentially a history book, and salt seems to pop up throughout history at very important times and places. Salt, as an essential part of the human body, as well as an important food preserver, is often thought of as a mere flavor enhancer nowadays. Kurlansky claims that salt is a more important subject than the roots of language or the discovery and use of fire. While I may disagree on that, after reading his book I definitely have a deeper understanding of those little grains. From the words of Homer to my kitchen table, the journey of salt is one worth retracing, and Kurlansky is the perfect guide.
Now that I know all about coal, caffeine and salt, I feel like I possess some knowledge that the average guy on the street doesn't. So, bring it on, Alex Trebek! Next on my list? Larry Zuckerman's The Potato: How the Spud Rescued the Western World.