David A. Taylor (1)Reseñas

An interesting look into the part cork played in American civilian and military history. Cork is a fairly rare commodity obtained from the bark a certain type of oak trees primarily in Portugal, Spain and North Africa. Initially it was found to be a great substance to seal wine bottles and bottle caps. Over time more uses were found as gaskets in engines used in various weapons. Both Germany and the United States needed cork during World War Two and Spain and Portugal were neutral. So the book focuses on the Axis and Allies intrigues to control this valuable resource. Interesting..

Focused more tightly than Mangione's book on stories of the Federal Writers Project figures who became widely known, careful to note the multiculturalism and pan-sexuality of Project participants, this is a more reverent but still detailed and useful telling of the story, organized regionally, like the American guide series on which the writers worked.

Well written and researched, rather journalistic, focusing on the history of the ginseng trade in the US (on its way to China). I wish there had been a little more about why the root is so sought after in East Asia, but the author wisely stays away from the question of what it's "medicinal" or even physiological effects are.

Research heavy and a little light on actual style. Still interesting.