Is that like, the History of the Basque World, or the Origin of the World According to the Basque? And what's their religion, by the way?

It is really the history of the Basque world. The title is kind of a joke, like those distorted "map of the US according to a New Yorker" posters. They are incredibly catholic: Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, was Basque. Before being converted to catholicism they were animists of some sort.

It's beautiful. So warm.

Yes, I noticed that after I actually got outside. I forgive you, unseasonably springish weather! Please don't go!

Ah yes the Basques are fascinating people, aren't we? at least those of us that don't going blowing stuff up. well, the ones that blow stuff up are interesting in their own way.

France and Spain really divied up the Basque lands. you read the book so you know how it goes. Can't blame the Basques for having a bad starting position, though. They played well but they just got screwed over. Even still, they had some good moments. Like that Edict of Nantes: that was written by Henry of Navarre. You probably knew that, but still you gotta love the proclamation of religious freedom.

The Basques aren't heavily Catholic anymore because of the Catholic church's fervent support of Franco.

What got your interested in the Basques? Perhaps the language of uncertain origins?

Anyway, next time I'm in Pittsburgh I'll make you some Basque Potato Leek soup. Potato Leek Soup is a popular dish across Europe, but there's some credibility to the Basque's claim that they invented it. Also, some would contest that they make it right while everybody else usually fucks it up.