shinyshinyrocks t1_iz9act2 wrote on December 7, 2022 at 12:46 PM

I love books about material culture, especially as the subject relates to the economy of its time. For example “Cod” and “Salt.”

I’d love a recommendation, I’m always looking for a new topic.

elmonoenano t1_izadxw6 wrote on December 7, 2022 at 5:36 PM

There's one called The Big Oyster about the development of New York and its relationship to oysters that came out a few years ago. It's by the same author as Salt and Cod.

The BBC had a podcast a few years ago called The History of the World in 100 Objects that they did with the British National Museum. They put out a book of it, which is nice b/c you can actually see the objects. The book is by Neil McGregor and I know he as some similar ones. I think there's one on Shakespeare's England in 50 objects.

That series spun off a whole bunch of other similar books. I'm reading one right now from the New York Historical Society about the history of the US Civil War in 50 objects, there's one on the history of the US in 100 documents, there's one on India.

Skookum_J t1_iza7vqz wrote on December 7, 2022 at 4:57 PM

A History of the world in 6 glasses, by Tom Standage is a fun read. Covers the development of culture and technology through the lense of 6 drinks.

At Home, by Bill Bryson is another great read. Covers the development of all the material and technology that goes into a modern home. Bryson's writing is also a lot of fun to read.

Maybe a bit off topic, but you might enjoy Longitude, by Dava Sobe. More of a biography of the inventor, but it covers the development of the clock that is the origin of pocket watch, and its role and importance for navigation at sea.