Basque History of the World

By: Mark Kurlansky

Narrated by: George Guidall

Award-winning author Mark Kurlansky has drawn enthusiastic praise for his books, which are sharply-focused studies as well as glorious celebrations of their subjects. In The Basque History of the World, he turns his eye toward Europe’s oldest surviving culture - a culture as mysterious as it is fascinating.

Settled in the western Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain, the Basque nation is not drawn on maps, and the origin of their forbidden language has never been discovered. Yet Basques appear to predate all other cultures in Europe, with many significant global contributions to their credit. Most notably, one of their own took command after Magellan’s death and was the first person to circumnavigate the globe.

This informative book is full of lively anecdotes that illuminate an otherwise obscure culture. Narrator George Guidall rises to the challenge of the text, which includes many Basque terms, and interprets beautifully.

©1999 Mark Kurlansky (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC

We live among Basques in Northern Nevada

Amazing history and I was totally clueless of the unique and long history of this amazing people.

Fascinating culture

The book is about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world - the Basques.

The book discusses Basque language, cooking (including some recipes), culture, historically significant people, graffiti (3+4=1), sports (pelota), internal conflicts among the Basques themselves, the Spanish Civil War (the German bombing of Guernica), art, WWII, religion (Catholic versus secularism) and current issues. I didn't realize the Spanish government was so dictorial towards this culture.

The author is supportive of a Basque nation but that doesn't seem possible now. He almost justifies Basque violence by saying the Spanish government also engages in violence. The author thinks it is realistic for the Basques to follow their own laws but still be a part of Spain/France. That is not logical.

I gained so much knowledge and understanding of this culture. I wish I knew more about the people when I was in Spain so I could have been on the lookout for cultural references.

There is a question-answer session at the end of the audiobook. I would have liked to have heard how the Basque language sounded.

Highly recommended.

The Devotion to Culture

Loved the entire book as well as the presentation. Particularly as the United States struggles with changes in government and principle, this book has special relevance.

Depth of information, personable narration

The author uses both his on the ground travels, interviews and textbook history to compose a very comprehensible saga. I did get a little lost in the more modern events, will need to revisit. Came away with a much deeper body of knowledge of Basque history.

An incredible history of a fantastic people

I went to visit some friends in Durango and instantly fell in love with the Basque Country. I hope to return there ASAP, and this book is an invaluable resource to learn about their culture, their politics, and even their mysterious and beautiful language. The narrator’s voice somewhat creates the atmosphere of an outsider looking in, but Kurlansky himself has spent decades living in the Basque Country, and it reads as very even-handed and insightful. 6/5 stars!