Decoder Ring | How Books About Things That Changed the World… Changed the World

This episode explores the surprising trend of non-fiction books focusing on seemingly mundane subjects and claiming they "changed the world." Against the backdrop of the post-Cold War era's need for new historical perspectives, the success of Dava Sobel's *Longitude* and Mark Kurlansky's *Cod* established a template for these "thing biographies." More significantly, the authors' interviews reveal that these books, while formulaic in their titles, offer insightful explorations of interconnectedness. For instance, Nicola Twilley discusses how refrigeration, far from being a mere convenience, revolutionized food production, global trade, and even impacted Irish independence. In contrast, Tim Queenie highlights the surprisingly ancient and pervasive role of rope in shaping civilization, from ancient construction to modern space exploration. Ultimately, the episode suggests that while the "changed the world" claim might be a marketing tactic, these books offer a valuable lens through which to examine the complex and often unexpected ways in which seemingly small things have shaped our world.