In Mark Kurlansky's book, the humble cod becomes the main character in world history. For the sake of cod, Europeans began to cross the Atlantic - and it was thanks to cod that such long voyages became possible. Wars were fought and revolutions started over cod, it served as the basis for the diet of entire nations, the economies of different countries depended on it, and the colonization of North America occurred largely thanks to it. The author introduces readers to people whose lives are closely connected with this unique fish - researchers, traders, writers, chefs and, of course, fishermen. He talks about the cod wars of the 16th and 20th centuries, shares recipes from different eras and shows us the cod itself - its habits, evolution and, ultimately, tragedy. Cod has fed humans for centuries, but now it needs his help: the fish reserves, which seemed inexhaustible, have practically dried up.