The Basque History of the World is the illuminating story of an ancient and enigmatic people. Signs of their civilization existed well before the arrival of the Romans in 218 B.C., and though theories abound, no one has ever been able to determine their origins. Their ancient tongue, Euskera, is equally mysterious: It is the oldest living European language, and is related to no other language on Earth. Yet despite their obscure origins and small numbers (2.4 million people today), the Basques have had a profound impact on Europe and the world for more than 2,000 years. Never seeking more land, they have nonetheless fiercely defended their own against invaders ranging from the Celts and Visigoths to Napoleon and Franco. They have always been a paradoxical blend of inbred tradition and worldly ambition, preserving their indigenous legal code, cuisine, literature – even their own hat and shoe – while at the same time striving immodestly to be leaders in the world.

"A delectable portrait of an uncanny, indomitable nation." Newsday

"Part history, part travelog, part contemporary journalism, The Basque History of the World traces the Basque story from its ancient origins to the immediate present. Enriching the text with old photographs, maps, excerpts from Basque literature, and even several recipes, Kurlansky provides rare insight into this mysterious 'nation without a country.' This fascinating and very readable book should interest scholars and informed lay readers alike." Library Journal

"As he did in Cod, Kurlansky fuses political and economic history with delightful digressions into cultural and culinary traditions (several delicious recipes are included). For all the ground it covers, this wildly informative work is a marvel of clarity, glittering with unusual facts and marked by penetrating insights into a people always 'making complex choices about the degree of independence that was needed to preserve their way of life, while looking to the rest of the world for commercial opportunities to ensure their prosperity.'" Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

From the author of "Cod" comes the illuminating story of an ancient and enigmatic people. Kurlansky's passion for the Basque people and his exuberant eye for detail shine through this fascinating book which blends human stories with economic, literary, and culinary history into a rich and heroic tale. Maps, photos & drawings.

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 Sebastián 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