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.

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!

Outstanding History

Fascinating story of a unique people who have had a significant role in world history. Great characters, well written, well read. Loved it!

Excellent

It’s one thing to know there are basque peoples. It’s another to know about the enterprising nature of Basque culture that lead to their often misty presence during the founding of New France and the fisheries that would become New England. It’s also another issue entirely to have seen them appear in the headlines as being singled out by the Spanish government as having no right to protest their situation and subjected status. Mark’s work, as simply calling it a book is not correct, binds all that and fleshes out the whole of the basque people. I’m so glad George Guidall narrated this as he simply fit the charm of Mark’s storytelling perfectly.