Journalist, Historian & Author; New York Times Bestselling Author of "Cod" & "Salt"; James Beard Award Winner

New York, NY, USA
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Mark Kurlansky Biography

Mark Kurlansky is an American journalist, historian, and New York Times bestselling author recognized for transforming ordinary subjects into comprehensive narratives about history, culture, and society. Kurlansky began his career as a newspaper reporter and foreign correspondent, developing a reputation for making complex historical topics accessible. He served as a correspondent in Western Europe for the Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Paris-based International Herald Tribune. Before focusing on writing, he worked in various roles including commercial fisherman, dock worker, paralegal, cook, and pastry chef, experiences that inform his work.

Kurlansky gained national and international attention with the publication of "Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World." The book became an international bestseller and was translated into more than 15 languages. He followed with "Salt: A World History," a New York Times bestseller, and continued to build a catalog that includes "The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell," "The Basque History of the World," "1968: The Year That Rocked the World," "Paper: Paging Through History," and "Milk!: A 10,000-Year Food Fracas." His writing explores the connections between food, history, economics, and culture, examining how everyday items have influenced global development.

Kurlansky has published 41 books, including fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature, with translations in 30 languages. His work extends beyond food history; "Nonviolence: Twenty-five Lessons From the History of a Dangerous Idea" received the nonfiction award from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. He also authored "Ready for a Brand New Beat," which chronicles how the song "Dancing in the Street" became an activist anthem. "The Core of an Onion" examines the onion's science, history, folklore, and role in global cuisine, serving as both a cultural history and a recipe collection. His novel "Cheesecake" was published by Bloomsbury.

Kurlansky has received the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, Bon Appétit Food Writer of the Year Award, the James Beard Award, and the Glenfiddich Award. He was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. People Magazine selected "Salt" as one of the 15 best books of the 21st century. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Audubon Magazine, Food & Wine, The Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Kurlansky is known for revealing the historical significance of everyday subjects, contributing to the fields of food history, cultural history, and nonfiction writing.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

Mark Kurlansky Videos

Mark Kurlansky on Paper: Paging Through History | 2016 Miami ...

Mark Kurlansky on Paper: Paging Through History | 2016 Miami ...

Mark Kurlansky - Aquarium Lecture Series - YouTube

Mark Kurlansky - Aquarium Lecture Series - YouTube

Mark Kurlansky: 2017 National Book Festival - YouTube

Mark Kurlansky: 2017 National Book Festival - YouTube

Mark Kurlansky discusses "Havana: A Subtropical Delirium" at the 2017 Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Speaker...

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Mark Kurlansky is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mark Kurlansky for your event is available upon request. Mark Kurlansky generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Robert Bryce, Corby Kummer, Shashi Tharoor, Robin Wright and David Leonhardt. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mark Kurlansky for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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