Center for Basque Studies Bookstore

Title: On Basque Politics: Conversations with Pete Cenarrusa
Author: Xabier Irujo Ametzaga
Publisher: European Research Institute (EURI)
Place and year of publication: Brussels, 2009
Language: English
Pages: 280
Size: 81/2 × 53/4 inches
ISBN: 978-84-613-3965-5

Synopsis:

“The Basque problem” has existed for those who have ruled the Iberian Peninsula since the days before Spain was a nation. Often described as the oldest homogeneous racial group in Europe, the Basques are closely knit and have resisted amalgamation since the first Roman legions descended upon them. They waited until the 11th century to embrace the “foreign” influence of Christianity, but when they did, they produced such illustrious Christians as St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola.

(Dickson, Paul A., “Oppression in Spain”, Washington Post, August 3, 1969. In, Church, Frank, “The Brave Spirit of the Basques and the Tyranny of their Persecutors.” In, Congressional Records. Proceedings and Debates of the 91st Congress, First Session, Vol. 115, No 135, Washington, Friday, August 8, 1969).

This book represents an up-to-date account of the most striking aspects of Contemporary Basque Politics, from the bombing of Gernika to the last elections in 2009. While being an overview, the book provides many interesting details and little known facts of the American perspective regarding the Basque political issue and its impact in Idaho, land of grace and hope for thousands of Basque immigrants during the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries.

Pete T. Cenarrusa has served for fifty-two years in the State of Idaho, nine terms at the House of Representatives (1950-1967), in 1963, 1965 and 1967 as a Speaker of the House, and six terms as Secretary of State (1967-2002) for the Republican Party.