Mark Kurlansky’s Cod – unusual viewpoint on history

Mark has looked at how the Cod Fish has had a dramatic impact on the history of the world. Mark has made a hero out of a fish and shows how seemingly mundane things have had such a deep impact on human civilization.  Was also intrigued by the Basques whose culture Mark refers to multiple times – if  Mark is to be believed,  the Basques had discovered the new world,  a 100 years before its actual discovery.  How the Basques have managed to  retain their distinct identity would by itself make for a nice history lesson. Need to look for that. Apparently Mark has himself written a book on the Basques. Another review of the book for reference.