Salt’s Unexpected Comeback Sparks New Book Buzz
Mark Kurlansky’s nonfiction classic "Salt" has experienced a resurgence after a TikTok video by 28‑year‑old Wyatt Derman went viral. The renewed interest has led to a spike in sales, a new hardcover edition, and a personal meeting between the author and the influencer in New York City.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Mark Kurlansky, a 77‑year‑old writer living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was scrolling through his phone when his daughter sent him a notification that would change his day. The message announced that his 2002 book Salt: A World History had just hit the trending list on TikTok.
From a Quiet Life to Viral Fame
When Salt first launched, it sold half a million copies and became a staple in history courses and kitchen cabinets alike. Over the years, however, its sales plateaued. Two years ago, Wyatt Derman, a 28‑year‑old American living abroad, bought a copy at London’s Waterstones. He later posted a short clip on TikTok, claiming that the book had made him “a man who can’t pass a salt shaker without feeling the weight of human civilization.” The video, which highlighted the word “salary” and the fact that Romans were paid in salt, quickly amassed millions of views.
Derman’s enthusiastic posts—complete with a 90‑second reel—sparked curiosity among his 500,000 followers. The buzz translated into a surge of Amazon purchases and a return to the New York Times bestseller list. Publishers, noticing the renewed interest, were already planning a 25th‑anniversary hardcover edition of the book.
The Meeting in New York
In the midst of this social‑media revival, Derman traveled from Paris to New York to meet Kurlansky for brunch. Kurlansky arrived first, wearing a pair of sagging Levi’s held up by fish‑style suspenders. He laughed about the unexpected attention, remarking that people had been eager to correct him on his name and the book’s title.
When Derman finally arrived, he was sweaty from riding a Citi Bike and apologized for the delay. Kurlansky welcomed him with a copy of his 1999 work, The Basque History of the World, hoping to introduce the younger fan to another of his lesser‑known titles.
From Salt to Basque History
Over a spread of latkes and bagels, the two men exchanged stories about their lives. Derman, who had moved to Paris in his twenties, shared his experience of living in the historic Gertrude Stein building. Kurlansky, who had also spent time in Paris, recounted his own early years, including a brief stint in the U.S. government that almost sent him to Vietnam.
The conversation turned to the power of storytelling. Derman explained that his TikTok reel had gathered around eight million views, a number comparable to the population of some small countries. He noted that his followers were not just book lovers; they were seekers of depth and unexpected narratives.
Future Collaborations and the Power of Social Media
Both authors discussed potential future projects. Derman suggested a live Q&A session and even offered to record the audiobook for Kurlansky’s forthcoming book, Lobster. Kurlansky, who has been a prolific writer since his early days as a theatre major, found the idea intriguing, though he admitted that pepper—another spice he tried to promote—had not resonated with audiences.
As the brunch drew to a close, Derman reflected on the unexpected turn of events. He praised Kurlansky’s resilience and hinted at a future where the older author’s work would continue to find new audiences through digital platforms.
Mark Kurlansky, who now maintains an Instagram account under the handle @codlansky, continues to engage with readers daily, often joking about the number of followers he has gained. The renewed interest in Salt demonstrates how a single viral moment can revive a classic work and bridge generations of readers.
Key facts
- Mark Kurlansky’s book "Salt" resurfaces after a viral TikTok post
- Wyatt Derman’s 90‑second reel sparks millions of views
- Sales of the book jump over 400% and a new hardcover edition is planned
- Kurlansky and Derman meet for brunch, discussing future collaborations
- The event shows how social media can revive classic literature
Why it matters
The resurgence of "Salt" illustrates how digital platforms can revive interest in historical works, connecting authors with new generations of readers and highlighting the timeless appeal of well‑crafted narratives.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the sudden popularity of "Salt"?
A TikTok video by Wyatt Derman highlighted the book’s themes, leading to viral views and increased sales.
Will there be a new edition of "Salt"?
Yes, Bloomsbury is already planning a 25th‑anniversary hardcover edition.
What other works has Mark Kurlansky written?
He has authored several books, including "The Basque History of the World" and an upcoming title titled "Lobster".
Sources
- [1] newyorker.com — originally reported as “The Return of “Salt””
