Maria Jose SevillaLife and Food in the Basque Country

We own just about every English book about the Basque people, language and cuisine and this is our new favorite. In fact, if it were available as an audio book I would purchase it and listen to it again immediately on an upcoming road trip.Although the book is simple, with no photos or maps, the author really brings the stories alive. Each chapter covers a different sacred part of the Basque culture, from the ciderhouses to the fisherman to their incredible sheep cheese, all with plenty of authentic Basque recipes intertwined. (Food is connected to everything in the Basque Country.)Even with everything else I have read about the Basque, there was still plenty of new things I learned in this book. And although not a language book, the author includes all the Basque words for everything of importance, which was an added bonus. (If you haven't tried, the Basque language is very rewarding. It is extremely hard to learn, but the Basque are so appreciative (and even more amazed) that anyone would try to learn their crazy language.)The book was written in the 1980's and although the people have surely changed, from our several recent visits, things are still quite similar to what is covered in this book. Plus, it gives great insight as to why things are done a certain way but more importantly, how the Basque have been able to save their unique culture and even help it thrive and expand into the new century.I could not out this book down and even though I am not a chef, I marked a few recipes I want to try my hand at. I will very likely read this book again before our next visit as a refresher too because it is so full of great info.

I've been wanting to practice European cooking for sometime, so I decided to start with Europe's first family, the Basques. This is a continent that takes pride in its sophisticated culinary tastes, and this cookbook shows that the Basques are no exception. The section on wild mushrooms alone demonstrates the refinement of Basque cuisine. The recipes are excellent (although they can be quite difficult), but I was most impressed by the author's prose apart from the recipes. This is one of the few cookbooks I've read that qualifies as good literature, and it deserves to be reviewed and appreciated as such. Moments of lyrical excellence shine through even in translation, and Sevilla should be commmended for crafting such a unique work. Its almost an anthropological study, but in the new style that shies away from dry exposition in favor of a more personal engagement. I recommend this book to cooks and readers alike.

I haven't gotten to read it all yet. I was gathering Basque information for a display at our family reunion. We are of Basque descent.

A nice recollection of stories and recipes from Euskal Herria!

I like traditional cookbooks with list of ingredients, measurements, photos. No photos in book.

It was an absolute pleasure to read this book. Such a sweet description of life in the Basque country in various facets. Such an amazing insight into the life of the people underpinned by their love of good food. I read it ahead of a holiday and it helped me paint a delicious vision of what I was about to experience. It enhanced my trip significantly. Absolutely loved it. Well done to the writer.

I think this is an excellent book. It uses the 'vehicle' of food to gently but profoundly explore a complex and fascinating culture, one which is a mystery to most people. Food and cooking are obviously key cornerstones of the Basque people, which means that so much can be revealed about them by an exploration of this topic. Well-written and easy to read and absorb, a good translation too, which doesn't ever feel awkward - recommended.

My husband and I visited the Basque country this year for a holiday. We had such a lovey time I wanted to find out more and this book does it. Not only do you learn the history but you have nice recipes too.

A really good book. A bit different. Worth a read.

Great book with so much background information as well as excellent recipes. Present for daughter