Customer Reviews

An Enduring Legacy : The Story of Basques in Idaho

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I just finished reading this book. It is a relatively quick read, something I was able to finish in a day. It is a very good read, though, something all decendants of the Basque immigrants to the Western US should read. It gives, in my opinion, a very good idea of what it was like for a young Basque to come to this country and try to make a living. It also describes well the choices the decendants of these immigrants have made to continue the Basque culture. It does so in a very direct way, making me think about my choices and the convenience of the aspects of Basque culture I have chosen to keep alive for myself. In some areas, I wish there was more depth (for example, the discussion of Anaiak Denok, a group I hadn't heard of before), but, overall, it is a very good introduction to what it means to be Basque-American and why some of us choose to identify with both the Basque and American culture. I strongly recommend this book, not only to Americans of Basque decent, but anyone who is interested in the issues of ethnicity in America and why some would choose to be both American and ethnic at the same time.

As an amature student of both history and Basque culture I am very impressed with the quality of this work. Both Misters Bieter should be praised for what is both a most interesting and informative book. There is a professional blend of historical theory about the roles of various generations and historical facts and manifested by the various stories, all held together by the ongoing saga of the Bilbao family. This is good history writing. I don't know if this kind of book can win prizes or awards, but if so this one deserves to do so.

While I was reading the book I kept thinking, "This is about me." Enduring Legacy captures the essence of what it means to me a Basque American in Idaho. Mark and John artfully depict the subculture of the Basque community in Idaho. Anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures must read this book. You will find yourself reading it cover to cover the first time you pick it up.

If I were to teach a class on Idaho history, this would be a mandatory text. It is an historical treasure for the Basque community in Idaho

Being of Basque decent myself, I try to read and collect as many books about my heritage as possible. The Bieters' have extensive knowledge and insight to show the development of the Basque in the beautiful state of Idaho. Following the journey they have told, I can relate it to the journey of my Basque ancestors. It is a wonderful look at a wonderful culture.

The Brothers Bieter have written a very important chapter in American immigrant history. It boggles the mind to comprehend the forces that brought young men to America from a primarily maritime economy and succesfully transplanted them in the high deserts of Idaho and Nevada as sheepherders. How a network of friends and relatives immigrating over four generations were able to bring their culture's music, dance, games, gastronomy and traditions, adapt them to new circumstances and see the pride exhibited by their children and grandchildren is truly inspiring. The evolution of immigrant Basques into Basque-Americans is a worthy study for any anthropologist, linguist or sociologist.

While most Americans have studied the immigration of Europeans to the United States, our knowledge of the Basque immigration is limited. The Bieters have written a well-researched and informative account of the Basque journey from Spain to the United States. The book, packed with personal anecdotes of Basque immigrants, belongs on the bookshelf of every American history enthusiast.

I'm not usually one for historical accounts but I couldn't put this book down. A fascinating story outlining the blending of the Basque cultural heritage with the American way of life. Highly recommended!