{"product_id":"the-basque-history-of-the-world","title":"The Basque History of the World","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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  literatureeven their own hat and shoewhile at the same time striving immodestly to be leaders in the world. They were pioneers of commercial whaling and cod fishing  were among the first Europeans in the Americas  Africa  and Asia during the age of exploration  and were prosperous capitalists when capitalism was a new idea  later leading the Industrial Revolution in southern Europe. Their influence has been felt in every realm  from religion (the charismatic Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuits in 1534) to sports and commerce. Today  even while clinging to their ancient tribal identity  they are ready for a borderless world: The unique Basque concept of nationhood has never been more relevant  at a time when Basques are enjoying what may be the most important cultural renaissance in their long existence. Mark Kurlanskys passion for the Basque people their heroes and commoners alike-and his exuberant eye for detail shine throughout The Basque History of the World. Like his celebrated book Cod  it blends human stories with economic  political  literary  and culinary history into a rich and heroic tale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44984007589941,"sku":"ByrdShop_0802713491","price":35.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780802713490.jpg?v=1770818584","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-basque-history-of-the-world","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}