It is impossible to read this book and not learn something. It is filled with fascinating information. The only problem is that Mark Kurlansky is lacking as a writer and the presentation of the material leaves much to be desired. Thank god I was interested in the topic or I would have been unable to finish it! It's interesting and all, but there are other interesting things out there that are much more readable. (Such as John Vaillant's "Golden Spruce" or Carol Off's "Bitter Chocolate.")