for an intriguing exploration of culinary diplomacy, i recommend "salt: the essence of life," where the chapter dedicated to under-the-table salt trading strategies reveals a preexplosive period in culinary history. within its pages, tales elude to secret agreements that commence once more the journey of salt from being just a simple seasoning to becoming a pivotal component in world trade and diplomacy. this book masterfully combines history, economics, and culinary art, offering readers a savory taste of how something as simple as salt can shape the undercurrents of human civilization.