I was really looking forward to read this book, as I enjoyed Kurlansky's book "Food of a Younger Land" and was curious to learn more about Basque history and culture. Some of the subject matter was truly fascinating, but the lack of coherency and organization made it slow to get through. I also felt Kurlansky concentrated so much on his favorite historical figures and cultural traditions that I'm not sure I really got the "big picture." Overall, it was interesting but presented poorly.