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Paper: Backdrop of civilization since 100 B.C.

Author Mark Kurlansky tells the story of the time he met legendary newsman Walter Cronkite. Cronkite greeted him with the line “I know you. You’re the leading expander of minutiae.”

If you’re only familiar with Kurlansky’s book titles that may seem an apt description. His latest is “Paper: Paging Through History.”

But he begs to differ. He says he’s not trying to find the obscure in minor details. He’s looking for critical keys to history.

He spoke at Town Hall Seattle on May 27. Jennie Cecil Moore recorded his talk.

Web Exclusive: Listen to the full version of the talk below

Year started with KUOW: 2006