The Basques are Europe's oldest people,their origins a mystery,their language related to no other on Earth,and even though few in population and from a remote and rugged corner of Spain and France,they have had a profound impact on the world.
Whilst inward-looking,preserving their ancient language and customs,the Basques also struck out for new horizons,pioneers of whaling and cod fishing,leading the way in exploration of the Americas and Asia,were among the first capitalists and later led Southern Europe's industrial revolution.
Mark Kurlansky,the author of the acclaimed Cod,blends human stories with economic,political,literary and culinary history to paint a fascinating picture of an intriguing people.
Publisher: Vintage PublishingISBN: 9780099284130Number of pages: 400Weight: 347 gDimensions: 196 x 128 x 29 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A diligently researched,entertainingly anecdotal and lovingly partisan history.'- Independent
'(An) informative,quirky and delightful book.'- Express
'A riveting (story) told with charm and dexterity.'- Independent on Sunday
'The award-winning author of Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World takes an equally unconventional and engaging approach to those curmudgeonly nationalists,the Basques... Each chapter...addresses a particular facet of Basque culture...while the whole is punctured with simple but mouth-watering recipes reflecting the glorious tradition of Basque cuisine. Proof - if proof were needed - that learning about history can be fun.'- Kirkus Review
Kommentar