Landscape and Identity in the Modern Basque Country, 1800 to 1936

Landscape and Identity in the Modern Basque Country,1800 to 1936 explores the relationship between landscape and modern identities in the Basque Country, combining cultural history and geography to analyze the historical construction of the landscape and its multiple political, social, and cultural meanings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Landscape and Identity in the Modern Basque Country,1800 to 1936 delves into the intricate relationship between landscape and modern identities in the Basque Country. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that seamlessly blends cultural history and geography, this book conducts a comprehensive analysis of the historical construction of the Basque landscape, unraveling its multifaceted political, social, and cultural meanings.

The book is structured into two distinct parts. The first part explores the discourses, images, and representations that shape the perception of the Basque landscape. It examines the ways in which the landscape has been depicted, interpreted, and symbolized throughout history, shedding light on the various narratives and ideologies that have contributed to its construction. The second part delves into landscape practices through tourism, hiking, and mountaineering. By focusing on the Basque case but establishing numerous connections with comparable phenomena in Western Europe, the book demonstrates how the landscape has become a structuring element, shaping individual identities while also playing a vital role in fostering social connections.

This book offers a unique perspective on identity construction by employing innovative interpretative tools, such as the experience of landscape. By immersing readers in the natural environment, it encourages them to reflect on the ways in which the landscape shapes their sense of self and belonging. This work, originally published in French, now reaches an English-speaking audience, presenting a crucial issue in the modern history of the Basque Country. Specifically, it explores the cultural construction of a collective identity within the framework of a nation-state, such as Spain, confronted with multiple territorial identities. By approaching this question from the perspective of landscape, the book provides valuable insights into the processes of nation-building that occurred in Europe during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

In conclusion, Landscape and Identity in the Modern Basque Country,1800 to 1936 is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex relationship between landscape and identity. By combining cultural history and geography, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical construction of the Basque landscape, unveiling its political, social, and cultural dimensions. Through its exploration of landscape practices and the experience of landscape, the book offers valuable insights into the processes of identity construction and nation-building. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and geography of the Basque Country and beyond.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032362175