An Enduring Legacy : The Story of Basques in Idaho

By Mark Bieter and John Bieter

This presents an account of Basque settlement in Idaho between 1890 and 1999. It charts their presence that began with a few solitary sheepherders and follows their evolution into the prominent ethnic community of the late 1990s.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874173337
• ISBN13: 9780874173338
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: University of Nevada Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.6" x 0.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A very good introduction to Basque America

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.

Extremely well done

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.

Great insight to the Basque 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.

It's all our story

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

A thoroughly interesting read

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!