The Basque Exception - by Asier H Aguirresarobe (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Millions of international tourists visit the Basque Country every year, with the region carrying a unique and perennial appeal. But, who exactly are the Basques, and what sets them apart from their neighbours?

The Basque Exception draws upon a broad range of historical sources to answer this question. It tells the intricate and multifaceted history of the Basque territory, spanning from the Roman period to the present day. Asier H. Aguirresarobe tracks the origins of the very term 'Basque' and examines the numerous prejudices and connections that have been associated with it over the centuries and, in doing so, reveals how religious reform, political rights, and an unlikely linguistic survival have marked the Basque story. He even reflects on how, in this small territory now renowned for its world-famous cuisine and picturesque landscapes, the consequences of these great events are still everywhere to be seen.

Review Quotes

"In this fascinating and lively narrative, Aguirresarobe traces the development of Basque distinctiveness from Roman times to the modern age. The book explores the changing historical dynamics of the Western Pyrenees and very effectively illustrates how various and highly contingent events have shaped the sense of what it means to be Basque. As the book is written in a very clear and witty style, it will appeal to a wide audience." --Sinisa Malesevic, University College Dublin, Ireland

"An elegant and compelling history of the Basque nation-where struggle, culture, memory, and love converge to shape one of Europe's most remarkable identities." --Xabier Irujo, Professor, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, USA

"The Basque Exception is a magnificent book... Aguirresarobe not only provides a wonderful overview of this fascinating topic but does so by giving a highly nuanced perspective without falling prey to nationalist clichés... A must-read for everyone interested in the history of the Basque Country and the rise of modern nations." --Eric Storm, Senior Lecturer in European History, Leiden University, The Netherlands

"With The Basque Exception, Asier Hernández Aguirresarobe gives us an easy flowing narrative recounting a series of historical vignettes and colourful figures, all theoretically informed, but with a highly readable light-touch. Sensitive to the tensions between actual history, and historical myth-making, Aguirresarobe... eschews essentialism, while attending to the exceptionalism of this region and people." --Jonathan Hearn, Professor of Political and Historical Sociology, University of Edinburgh

About the Author