How to Travel with Salmon & Other Essays by Umberto Eco

“How to Travel with Salmon & Other Essays” by Umberto Eco is a delightful collection of witty and insightful essays that explore a wide range of topics, from travel and food to literature and philosophy. Known for his erudition and playful intellect, Eco offers readers a fascinating journey through his eclectic interests and obsessions.

In this book, Eco reflects on the quirks and idiosyncrasies of modern life, offering humorous observations and profound insights along the way. The title essay, “How to Travel with Salmon,” humorously explores the challenges and absurdities of modern travel, while other essays delve into topics such as the art of eating in-flight meals, the joys of collecting books, and the mysteries of the Ur-language.

Eco’s essays are marked by their wit, intelligence, and wide-ranging cultural references. He draws on literature, history, and popular culture to illuminate his arguments and entertain his readers, showcasing his remarkable ability to blend highbrow intellectualism with down-to-earth humor.

Throughout the collection, Eco’s love of language and storytelling shines through, as he weaves together anecdotes, jokes, and philosophical musings into a rich tapestry of ideas and observations. Whether he’s reflecting on the absurdities of bureaucracy, the pleasures of gastronomy, or the nature of beauty, Eco’s essays are always engaging, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining.

“How to Travel with Salmon & Other Essays” is a must-read for fans of Umberto Eco and anyone who appreciates the art of the essay. It’s a book that invites readers to savor the pleasures of intellectual curiosity, wit, and the joy of discovery.