U S. A.: Penguin Books. Very Good. 2001. First Thus. Softcover. 0140298517 387pp including bibliography and index of proper names Maps Photographs Fascinating history of the Basque people Previous owner's name and date at upper outside corner of front facing page, otherwise book is Fine .

Synopsis

From Mark Kurlansky, the bestselling author of Cod, Salt, and Birdseye —the illuminating story of an ancient and enigmatic people Straddling a small corner of Spain and France in a land that is marked on no maps except their own, the Basques are a puzzling contradiction—they are Europe's oldest nation without ever having been a country. No one has ever been able to determine their origins, and even the Basques' language, Euskera—the most ancient in Europe—is related to none other on earth. For centuries, their influence has been felt in nearly every realm, from religion to sports to commerce. Even today, the Basques are enjoying what may be the most important cultural renaissance in their long existence. Mark Kurlansky's passion for the Basque people and his exuberant eye for detail shine throughout this fascinating book. Like Cod, The Basque History of the World, blends human stories with economic, political, literary, and culinary history into a rich and heroic tale. Among the Basques' greatest accomplishments: Exploration—the first man to circumnavigate the globe, Juan Sebastian de Elcano, was a Basque and the Basques were the second Europeans, after the Vikings, in North America Gastronomy and agriculture—they were the first Europeans to eat corn and chili peppers and cultivate tobacco, and were among the first to use chocolate Religion—Ignatius Loyola, a Basque, founded the Jesuit religious order Business and politics—they introduced capitalism and modern commercial banking to southern Europe Recreation—they invented beach resorts, jai alai, and racing regattas, and were the first Europeans to play sports with balls “A delectable portrait of an uncanny, indomitable nation.” –Newsday “Exciting, Illuminating, and thought provoking.” –The Boston Globe Entertaining and instructive… [Kurlansky’s] approach is unorthodox, mixing history with anecdotes, poems with recipes.” –The New York Times Book Review

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Bookseller: First Choice Books (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 90139
Title: The Basque History of the World
Author: Mark Kurlansky
Format/Binding: Softcover
Book Condition: Used - Very Good
Edition: First Thus
Binding: Paperback
ISBN 10: 0140298517
ISBN 13: 9780140298512
Publisher: Penguin Books
Place of Publication: U S. A.
Date Published: 2001
Keywords: Pais, Vasco, (Spain), Pays, Basque, (France), Basques
Bookseller catalogs: Sociology;

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Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...