I’ve just started Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. It is fascinating. I’m less than halfway through the first disc, and I’ve already learned so much!

The audiobook is read by Scott Brick, who is excellent.

From Goodreads: 

In his fifth work of nonfiction, Mark Kurlansky turns his attention to a common household item with a long and intriguing history: salt. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions.  Populated by colorful characters and filled with an unending series of fascinating details, Salt by Mark Kurlansky is a supremely entertaining, multi-layered masterpiece.

Find it at your local library.