The Essential Oyster
by Rowan Jacobsen
I thought I couldn’t adore an oyster book more than Rowan’s seminal A Geography of Oysters. I was wrong. The Essential Oyster is a magnificent body of oyster tales, farmer profiles, sciencey knowledge (without getting too nerdy) and insanely beautiful oyster photography. For me, it’s like having an oyster yearbook that I want all of my friends to sign. For you, it’s going to offer a fresh new take on today’s oyster culture. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from this A team. Many kudos to Rowan, David and Adrienne for making this dream read come true!
A Geography of Oysters
by Rowan Jacobsen
This is my oyster bible– ground zero for oyster website inspiration. Rowan’s book is incredibly informative and fun to read. It’s a must-have for every serious oyster lover. You’ll be able to truly appreciate why a specific oyster tastes the way it does through his elegant explanation about the terroir and growing conditions. I actually took this book to the oyster bars and used it as a tasting guide during the first few months of my newly-activated oyster obsession.
The Big Oyster
by Mark Kurlansky
This is a must-read for New York oyster lovers. I’m not a big history fan, but found myself completely engrossed in learning about the history of New York City and how the oyster was such a vital part of the Hudson River Estuary and the native/local food culture. Amidst the fun anecdotes and surprising facts, Kurlansky also throws a handful of oyster recipes from centuries ago. It’s a wonder how the oyster’s significance to NYC has been so lost and forgotten; I’m glad that it’s been summarized and preserved in such a fantastic read.
Heaven on the Half Shell: The Story of the Oyster in the Pacific Northwest (2023 Edition)
by David George Gordon, Samantha Larson, MaryAnn Barron Wagner
This book provides a well-researched overview of the North American Pacific Northwest (and West Coast in general) oyster culture. I found this 2nd edition of the original (2003) to be far more inclusive, multifaceted, and informative. It is thoughtfully orchestrated to highlight some of the lesser-known people and populations who contributed to the rise of Pacific Northwest oyster culture.
Sex, Death & Oysters
by Robb Walsh
Hilarious, eye-opening, and sprinkled with interesting recipes. The stories in this book made me laugh out loud and motivated me to search out oyster bars wherever I go. It also gives a distinctive Texan point of view, which is certainly not like your run-of-the-mill oyster snob’s.
Meet Paris Oyster: A Love Affair with the Perfect Food
by Mireille Guiliano
Enjoying oysters is about living in the moment, and one city has mastered the art like no other. I just finished my preview copy of “Meet Paris Oyster: A Love Affair with the Perfect Food” by Mireille Guiliano and feel compelled to book the next flight to CDG. In between Guiliano’s personal slurping accounts and healthy pepperings of French innuendos and expressions, there is a rich bounty of knowledge and history about French oyster culture. For me, what I found to be the most fascinating were the stories of the people who love and champion the huîtres (oysters) today in France. This delightful, lighthearted read that will surely inspire you to head straight to Huîtrerie Régis on your next visit to Paris.
Oyster Culture
by Gwendolyn Meyer and Doreen Schmid
A luscious, elegant coffee table-worthy oyster book by two adventurous and passionate ladies. I picked this book up at the Marshall Store when I was slurping oysters down Tomales Bay, California. It provides history and context for the Tomales Bay oyster industry, along with beautiful photographs and delicious recipes.