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: Paperback / softback
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. Through an interdisciplinary approach that seamlessly blends cultural history and geography, this book explores the historical construction of the Basque landscape, unveiling its multifaceted political, social, and cultural meanings.

The book is structured into two distinct parts. The first part examines the discourses, images, and representations that shape the perception of the Basque landscape. It delves into the various narratives, visual depictions, and symbolic meanings associated with this region, shedding light on how these constructs have evolved over time. 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, playing a pivotal role in shaping individual identities while also contributing to the formation of social links.

This book offers a unique perspective by employing new interpretative tools, such as the experience of landscape, to examine the processes of identity construction from below. By immersing readers in the sensory and experiential aspects of the Basque landscape, it provides a deeper understanding of how individuals and communities have shaped and been shaped by their surroundings.

Originally published in French, this work now reaches an English-speaking audience, offering valuable insights into the modern history of the Basque Country. Specifically, it addresses 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 fresh keys to understanding the processes of nation-building that unfolded 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 sheds light on the complex interplay between landscape and identity. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of the Basque landscape, this book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the processes that have shaped the region's past and present. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of identity formation and the role of the natural environment in shaping human experiences.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032362182