Center for Basque Studies Newsletter ISSN: 1537-2464 Center for Basque Studies N E W S L E T T E R

The Center welcomes Mari Jose Olaziregi FALL 2 0 0 7 The Center for Basque Studies is pleased to introduce Dr. Mari Jose Olaziregi, a specialist in who joined our faculty in July 2007. She has a degree in Basque Philol- ogy and a Ph.D. in Basque Literature (1997), with a dissertation on “Literature and Reading: From Textual Strategies to Sociology in ’s Literary Universe.” Her M.A. NUMBER 75 degree is from the University of East Anglia (U.K.). She previously worked at the University of the Basque Country in the Department of Linguistics and Basque Studies (Faculty of Philology, Geography, and History). Editor Jill Berner interviewed Dr. Olaziregi for our newsletter.

JB: Marijo, tell me a little about your In this issue: background and your interest in Basque literature. How did you become inter- Mari Jose Olaziregi 1 ested in this? MO: Well, it’s nice to talk about that, Bernardo Atxaga, new in fact. I’ve loved reading since I was Douglass scholar 3 a child. I used to read especially in Basque because I attended a Basque Political Conference 5 school or ikastola, and because Basque CBS 40th Anniversary 6 is my mother tongue. So when I finished secondary school I decided to study Highlights 7 Basque philology in Vitoria at the Uni- versity of the Basque Country. When I Publications 2007 8 first attended some courses on literary Lectures 10 criticism, I realized very clearly that that was going to be my field. I just realized Studies Abroad in then that I enjoy reading as much as the Basque Country 11 analyzing literary works. I’m really pas- sionate about both of them. Basque Series books 12 JB: Your major was Basque philology, Mari Jose Olaziregi which is more about just the language, right? (photo: Cursos de Verano-UPV) MO: Yes. I studied in the Basque philol- ogy program of the University of the Basque JB: So, your doctoral thesis was on literature Country. The topics covered included, among and readers? others, history of , linguis- MO: Yes, the title of my dissertation is “Lit- tics, literature, literary criticism, sociolinguis- erature and Reading: . . . Bernardo Atxaga’s tics . . . I met an amazing academic, Professor Literary Universe,” and I really enjoyed Jesús María Lasagabaster, and he has been researching it; it gave me the opportunity to A semi-annual publication of the a great influence on me. I decided to do my meet some very interesting people, such as Center for Basque Studies, Ph.D. on Basque literature, and I analyzed Atxaga himself. Since then, I have continued University of Nevada, Reno the reading habits of Basque young people publishing books on contemporary Basque Reno, NV 89557-2322 and, especially, the reception that Bernardo literature and teaching at the University of the Atxaga’s work has had among them. (continued on page 2)  Center for Basque Studies Newsletter (continued from page 1) Basque Country. I think I’m a very blessed JB: Any other conferences or courses . . .? person because I can make a living by doing MO: I have been invited to give courses in the things I like the most: teaching and re- different universities of Europe, such as a searching. graduate course at the University of Valencia () in December, and the University JB: Now you’re continuing your research of Konstanz (Germany) in June. I will also here, in the United States. Is this a hindrance chair, together with Itziar Zubizarreta, the to you, or a help, being here at the Center for Fourth Iberian Conference on Literature for Basque Studies? Children that will take place in Donostia next MO: It will give me the opportunity of July. In August, I will participate as a lecturer studying and promoting Basque literature at the Universidad Internacional Menen- from a new perspective. It’s like looking at dez Pelayo’s summer courses in Santander our literary system from the outside. I want to (Spain), and I will continue mentoring litera- contact American academics that are teach- ture Ph.D. program students of the University ing Basque literature here and try to make of the Basque Country in Vitoria. We congratulate Basque Studies Ph.D. a kind of network student Nancy Faires, who completed to share our experi- JB: Those activities her degree in November 2007. See ences. Anyway, I “I believe that usually the more are also a good way to story on page 5. (Photo provided by N. have always felt very you read, the more tolerant promote our Basque Faires) comfortable at the Literature Series. Center for Basque you become—tolerant about MO: I hope so. You The Center for Basque Studies Studies. Since 2002 I different cultures and identities. know that the first Newsletter is a semi-annual have collaborated on It has to do with having an book of the series, publication sent free of charge some of the Center’s An Anthology of to any interested person. If projects, such as the open mind.” Basque Short Sto- you would like to receive the Basque Literature ries, has been a great newsletter in paper format, Series. success. It has been please send your name and reviewed in many international publications postal address to: JB: But there aren’t as many students in your and translated into Spanish, Russian, and field here. Is that a challenge or a frustration? Italian. The other books of the series, Ra- MO: That’s a challenge, of course. I want mon Saizarbitoria’s Rossetti’s Obsession and Center for Basque Studies / 2322 to attract more students and try to show them University of Nevada, Reno Lourdes Oñederra’s And the Serpent Said to how fascinating Basque literature is. I’m the Woman had an excellent reception, too. Reno, NV 89557-2322 teaching Basque literature in English and I Both novels were translated into Spanish and must say that I am extremely happy with the I think that Saizarbitoria’s novel will also be Or e-mail us at: [email protected] experience. As I don’t have as many students published in French and Oñederra’s novel in Or phone: 775.784.4854 as I did in the Basque Country, it gives me Russian. We have just published the latest Or fax: 775.784.1355 more time to interact with each of them. title in the series, Anjel Lertxundi’s Perfect Happiness. We plan to launch it at this year’s The newsletter is also available JB: What about projects that you are work- Durango Book Fair. electronically, in a printable ing on now? Are you working on any publica- format. If you would like to tions currently? JB: Well, it’s interesting, because Basque receive the newsletter in MO: With regard to publications, we will comprises a tiny territory linguistically, yet electronic format, thus saving publish History of Basque Literature next you are able to promote the literature more printing and postage costs, spring. It will include the contributions of widely. please specify this option and let twelve renowned scholars from several uni- MO: Yes, I think that the clue is to translate us know your e-mail address. versities in the Basque Country. I’m the edi- from Basque into English. If you do so, you tor, and the author of one of the chapters—the promote the book much better than if you Please visit our web site: chapter on contemporary narrative. That’s my translate it into Spanish. As you know, the ob- main project at the moment. Apart from that jective of the Center for Basque Studies when basque.unr.edu I have four articles that are about to be pub- translating Basque literature is to promote our lished in different international newspapers. best works. That’s why we try to send them The organization of the First International to the vast majority of libraries and university Conference on Basque Literature is going to departments in the United States and Europe. Produced by the Center for Basque be the other main project. Bernardo Atxaga Studies, University of Nevada, is the William Douglass Distinguished Visit- JB: I know that you’ve received some Reno. Jill Berner, editor. ing Scholar this year and is helping with the awards and recognitions in your career. May- organization of that conference. The confer- be you can tell me a little bit about that. ence will take place May 15–17, and it will MO: Probably the most remarkable one I The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal give us a chance to meet academics from the received was the one that the provincial gov- Opportunity / Affirmative Action, ADA institu- USA and Europe who teach or do research on ernment of gives for the best essay. It tion. 12/07 8,500. Basque literature. was an essay on Atxaga that I wrote in 2004.  Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Bernardo Atxaga, new The book that we published at the Center for Basque Studies, Waking the Hedgehog: The Literary Universe of Bernardo Atxaga (2005), Douglass Distinguished includes some of the chapters of the awarded essay. Apart from that, I am a member of the Scholar Literature Research Committee of the Royal by Mari Jose Olaziregi Academy of the Basque Language, Euskal- followed the publication of Obabakoak which tzaindia, a member of different journals and was awarded the Spanish Premio Nacional The Center for Basque Studies is honored their editorial boards, and I was a member de Narrativa in 1989, among other prizes. to welcome this year the most international of the Executive Committee of IBBY (Inter- Obabakoak was a milestone in contemporary Basque writer, Bernardo Atxaga. He is the national Board on Books for Young People) Basque literature and it has been translated William Douglass Distinguished Scholar from 2004 until 2006. into more than twenty-six languages. The for 2007–2008 and arrived in Reno with his Lone Man, The Lone Woman, and Two family last August. He came with many JB: So you have an interest in children’s projects, such as his next novel and his books also? new website (www.atxaga.org), and is MO: Yes, of course. I love it. I think that a collaborating actively in the organization book that is good for a child is good for an of the international conference on literature adult. I think literature is either good or bad. I that will be held next spring at the Univer- have always been very concerned with read- sity of Nevada, Reno. ing habits. I did a Master’s [in this subject] in Barcelona, and I advised some Basque insti- Bernardo Atxaga (born Jose Irazu, in tutions with campaigns to promote reading Asteasu, , 1951) belongs to the habits among young people. Reading habits group of young Basque writers who began are related with tolerance. I believe that usu- publishing in their mother tongue, Euskera, ally the more you read, the more tolerant you in the seventies. He graduated in econom- become—tolerant about different cultures and ics from the University of the Basque identities. It has to do with having an open Country and later studied philosophy at mind. Barcelona University. His first short story, Bernardo Atxaga “Ziutateaz,” was published in 1976 and his (photo by Basso Cannarsa) JB: What about in today’s world, where first poetry collection,Etiopia , in 1978. Both everything is digital? works received the National Critics’ Prize MO: Well, although many people think the Brothers are the titles of his other novels for the best works in their categories in the contrary, television can be a good tool to translated into English so far. His latest novel, Basque language. promote reading habits. But you need to offer Soinujolearen Semea (The Accordionist’s good programs on culture, you need to make Son), was published in Basque in 2003, He writes in most genres: poetry, short an effort to avoid all the “lite” shows that at and since then has been translated into ten stories, novels, essays, and more. His present they are offering for children. languages. Harvill Press in the U.K. has just national (and, later, international) recognition Reading habits begin at home, you don’t brought it out in English. Zorionak, Bernardo! need to plan very sophisticated activities to put a book and a child together. My father was not a teacher, he was not an academic. But I remember he loved books. Every Sat- urday, we used to go to the bookshop in my The Accordionist’s Son village in the Basque Country, Lasarte-Oria. I realized from childhood that books and read- Bernardo Atxaga’s newest novel, love and happiness as Bernardo ing were very important for my parents. The The Accordionist’s Son, is now Atxaga, and in this, his most person- simple act of talking in a relaxed way about available in English from Harvill al and accomplished novel to date, a book you are reading can be a very moving Press (U.K.), translated by Mar- he places these themes against the activity when you are a child. You’re not only garet Jull Costa. The publisher’s tragic backdrop of civil war and its sharing stories, but you are sharing smiles, press release tells us, “With af- aftermath and shows how these have gestures, laughs with your parents. fection and lucidity, Atxaga de- affected the Basque people.” scribes the evolution of a young JB: How do you feel about working here man [David Imaz] caught be- Initial reviews have been very favor- in Nevada compared to your experience at tween country and town, between able: “A literary voice of startling home? his uncle the horse-breeder and originality and a passionate guardian MO: It’s very different. It’s, how can I his political father. The course of of Basque national memory.” (Sun- say it? I’m much calmer here, much more David’s life changes one summer day Telegraph) “Atxaga’s dextrous relaxed. The Basque country is a very tiny night when he agrees to shelter a group of interweaving of themes and vibrant evocation country, but it’s very alive. Basque culture students on the run from the military police. of people and places make the book not an is very dynamic. So there are lots of lectures embellishment of life but a celebration of its “Few contemporary writers are as adept at richness.” (Sunday Times). The book can be (continued on page 4) exploring memory and evoking friendship, ordered online from Amazon.com.

 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter (continued from page 3) CBS Director accepts to give, lots of workshops to attend, courses, new position launchings, so you are always busy. I think that Nevada has wonderful things, it is a Dr. Gloria Totoricagüena left the university in good place to work. I love these sunny days, September to work as an external consultant the amazing daylight. Sometimes I miss the for projects related to Basque Country public rain and the foggy afternoons of Donostia, policy and globalization. She will work the walks with my friends, but the warmth of with a team of specialists on the project the people from here makes me feel at home. “The Basque Country, the , and I am enormously pleased with the help that Globalization.” This initiative was developed my Basque friends from Reno have given to investigate the effects of globalization us since we arrived in July. What generous on Basque economic, social, political, and people! cultural issues.

Q: Tell us about the classes you are teaching 50th Anniversary In accepting the new position, Dr. this semester, and having Bernardo Atxaga of Sweet Promised Totoricagüena returns to the core of her here—does that make a difference? I know he professional background—political science is not as well-known here as in Europe. Land celebrated and international relations. She said that she greatly values the professional and personal A: It is a luxury to have him around. Not only 2007 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the relationships developed during her five years because you can have amazing conversations publication of Nevada author Robert Lax- of service to the Center for Basque Studies with him, but because he is a big support for alt’s most popular work, Sweet Promised and the University of Nevada, Reno. any activity connected with literature. He will Land. The book recounts the return of his come to my Basque literature class and take father, a Basque sheepherder of the Ameri- The College of Liberal Arts Dean appointed part in the discussions we have, and there is can West, to visit the land of his birth. The Center faculty member Joseba Zulaika and no need to say that my students are delighted. book has been acclaimed as a key telling of Political Science professor Eric Herzik as the immigrant’s story. co-directors of the Center for the remainder of the term. The work was first published by Harper in 1957, and later reprinted by the University Selected Publications of of Nevada Press. In addition, a special M. J. Olaziregi paperback edition was published in 1974 Euskal gazteen irakurzaletasuna. Azterketa when the author’s brother, Paul Laxalt, was Basque Library soziologikoa (The Reading Habits of Basque running for the U.S. Senate. In 2007, the availability limited for Youth). : Ayto. Bergara (Beca Justo University Press published a special fiftieth summer 2008 Gárate Arriola), 1998. anniversary edition with a foreword by Ann Ronald, Foundation English professor at Move to new Knowledge Center Intimismoaz haraindi. Emakumezkoek idatzi- UNR. For the Summer Scholars Project, a will limit service tako euskal literatura (Basque Literature copy of this edition was sent to all incom- Written by Women). Donostia: Sociedad de ing freshman students of the University Starting May 19, 2008, Getchell Library Estudios Vascos (Beca Ángel Apraiz), 1999. so that they could read it prior to meeting on the UNR campus, home of the Basque in discussion groups during the Fall 2007 Library and Center for Basque Studies, Ramon Saizarbitoriaren unibertso literarioa orientation on campus. will be closed to users, except through a (The Literary Universe of Ramon Saizarbito- “store front” at the main entrance for users ria). : Labayru, 1999. Robert Laxalt grew up in Nevada and was to request books. The Basque Library will an alumnus of the University of Nevada, be closed and no access into the building Euskal eleberriaren historia (History of the Reno. He founded the University of Ne- will be permitted to anyone other than staff. Basque Novel). Bilbao: Labayru-Ayto. de vada Press and later taught at the Reynolds The closure is necessary because many Amorebieta Etxano (Beca Santiago Onain- School of Journalism. Most of his seven- thousands of books, periodicals, microfilm, dia), 2001. teen books feature Basque themes. and other materials will be moved to the new Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. Waking the Hedgehog. The Literary Universe The anniversary was noted by the Special We do not yet know the exact date of the of Bernardo Atxaga. Reno: Center for Basque Collections Department of Getchell Library move, but the summer will be rather chaotic. Studies, 2005. with an exhibit throughout 2007 of the Rob- Thus, we discourage library visitors from ert Laxalt Papers, tracing the writing pro- coming to UNR in summer 2008, to avoid An Anthology of Basque Short Stories, (ed.). cess of Sweet Promised Land from Laxalt’s disappointment. The Knowledge Center will Reno: Center for Basque Studies, 2004. [also initial concept to the final galley proofs. On open with full services in late August 2008, published in Basque, Spanish, Russian, Ital- June 5, the Friends of the Library held a so visitors are most welcome from that time ian.] reception and readings to honor the anniver- forward. sary. Special guests included the author’s Six Basque Poets, (ed.). Todmorden (UK): daughter, Monique Laxalt, who shared To find out more about the Knowledge Arc Publications, 2007. memories of her father, and Ann Ronald, Center, please see www.knowledgecenter. who discussed the book’s literary value. unr.edu.

 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Basque Ph.D. student Conference on Political completes degree Conflict Management Nancy Faires has completed her Basque Studies Ph.D. degree, with an emphasis in Xabier Irujo and former Douglass Distin- Joseba Zulaika: “The Crisis of ETA’s Politi- Foreign Languages and Literatures, after guished Scholar Pedro Ibarra coordinated a cal Subject” successfully defending her dissertation on conference held at the Center November 1–3, Joxe Ramon Bengoetxea: “The Role Played November 16, 2007. Her dissertation is on “Political Conflict Management and Civil by the EU Institutions as Regards the Basque entitled “This Is Not a Museum: The Gug- Society: The Basque Case.” Participants and Peace Process” genheim Museum Bilbao.” She researched their papers were: Xabier Irujo: “Spanish Anti-Terror Policies: the effect on Bilbao’s urban and economic Intrinsic Violation of Human Rights” development created by the spectacular Pedro Ibarra: “Break of the Cease-Fire in Guggenheim museum that opened in 1997, the Basque Country: New Scenario, New Key subjects discussed during the confer- and also its relation to artistic, literary, and Opportunities” ence included an analysis of ETA’s 2007 intellectual perspectives. Zorionak, Dr. María González: “Press, Public Opinion, ending of the cease-fire they had initiated in Faires! and Peace during the Latest Cease-fires” 2006, and the transformation of ETA based Irantzu Mendia: “Some Reflections on on the awareness that old forms of political Women’s Agency and Peace Activism in the mythology have become obsolete in the face Basque Scholarship Basque Country” of enormous changes brought on by the Euro- awards for 2007–08 Xabier Ezeizabarrena: “Basque Historical peanization of Basque/Spanish issues and the Titles and Self-Determination: A Path Toward globalization of world affairs. The Spanish The Center was able to confer four scholar- Co-sovereignty at Domestic and EU Levels” government’s role in the failure of the peace ship awards this year to students attending process was also discussed, the University of Nevada, Reno, thanks to the as well as the insufficiently two new scholarships funded by the Echever- recognized role of women ria family of Reno, as noted in our Fall 2006 and women’s organiza- newsletter. tions in seeking peace. In addition, the Basque peace Domingo Leonis received the Dolores Sa- process was analyzed from val Trigero Scholarship. Domingo, an Elko a European Union perspec- Basque Club dancer for many years, is tive. studying mining engineering at the Univer- sity of Nevada, Reno. He hopes to eventually The conference attendees work for the mines located near Elko. also enjoyed a tour to nearby Virginia City and Lake Danielle Stallworth of Reno, Nevada was Tahoe, as well as a visit to awarded the Peter Echeverria Scholarship. the Basque Sheepherders She and her family have been active in the Monument in Reno and an Reno Basque Club for many exhibit on Basque herders in years. A student athlete at UNR, Danielle is the West. studying to become a teacher. Conference attendees (l. to r.) Xabier Irujo, Xabier Ezeizabarrena, Bernardo Atxaga, María González, Irantzu Natalia Moiola of Elko, Nevada, and member Mendia, and Joxe Ramon Bengoetxea. of the Elko Basque Club, received the new Gilbert and Marie Ordoqui Scholarship. She is interested in taking Basque Studies courses at UNR while majoring in education. Advisory Board Meeting of March 2007 Ph.D. candidate Argitxu Camus Etchecopar The Center for Basque Studies Advisory Members and spouses enjoyed a Friday night is the recipient of the newly-established Fran- Board held their annual meeting March 2–3, cocktail party with invited guests William ces A. Echeverria Graduate Student Award, 2007 at Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks. Partici- Douglass Distinguished Visiting Scholar designed to assist the student in completing pants included Board members John Ech- Pedro Ibarra and his wife Carmen Oriol, a dissertation. Ms. Camus earned a Master’s everria, William Douglass, Anita Anacabe, Mike and Jeanette Montero, Diane and Lloyd degree from the University of Pau (France), Michonne Ascuaga, Tontxu Campos, Tony Root, and from the Basque Family Heritage and is pursuing her doctorate with an empha- Campos, Emilia Doyaga, Jeronima Echever- in the USA project, George Ryskamp and sis in history, focusing on Basque immigra- ria, Pete Ernaut, Sixto Jimenez, Gloria Totori- Shalyse and Ben Clayton. Entertainment tion and the Euskal Etxeak (Basque clubs) of cagüena, as well as Pedro Ibarra, representing for the Saturday night dinner was provided the diaspora. She has been a Research Assis- the Amigos de Reno, and Sandra Ott, CBS with txistu music and Basque folkdancing tant at the Center since 2004. Advisory Board Administrator. The Advisory by Teresa Anacabe Franzoia and Bernadette Board advises the Center regarding fundrais- Leonis. Congratulations to our awardees, and many ing, the publications agenda, and international thanks to the generous donors who have outreach of its activities. made these awards possible.  Center for Basque Studies Newsletter 40th Anniversary of the Center for Basque Studies

2007 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Assemblyman David Bobzien on May Center, originally formed as the Basque 7 in the Assembly Chambers, and later Studies Program in 1967 when a group of accepted by the Senate as well. Several specialists were convened to decide the re- staff and advisory board members attended search focus of the Desert Research Institute the Assembly session and received a in Reno, Nevada. It was felt that the Basques commemorative plaque with a copy of the were an important minority in the area, and signed resolution. that a program dedicated to research on this unique population was needed. William A. Douglass was Interviewer Pedro Oiarzabal with a copy hired to set up and coor- of the Oral History Program pubication, dinate the program and A Candle in the Night. (photo by A. Camus) served as its director for thirty-three years. Upon A Candle in the Night his retirement at the end of 1999, we began the In 1967 a small Basque studies program was new millennium with a established within the social sciences division new name: the Center for of the University of Nevada’s Desert Re- Basque Studies, a recom- search Institute. As originally conceived, the mendation of a Program program’s purpose was to study the Basques Review committee. Vari- (historically the foremost sheep tenders in the ous activities were carried American West) as a key human element in (l. to r.) Kate Camino, Sandra Ott, CBS Advisory Board member out this year to mark the the Great Basin ecosystem. At the time, no special anniversary. Michonne Ascuaga, Gloria Totoricagüena, William Douglass (with plaque), legislator Pete Ernaut, John Ascuaga, and Carmelo Urza.. one imagined that such a modest, narrowly focused little undertaking could grow to be- Basque Country Book on history of come today’s Center for Basque Studies, the visitors welcomed leading research and educational institute of Center presented its kind outside the European Basque home- Events were held on Thursday, May 3 as a The University of Nevada Oral History Pro- land. part of the ongoing CBS 40th Anniversary gram and Center for Basque Studies held a activities. Special visitors from the Basque reception and book presentation on Novem- A Candle in the Night chronicles the history Country included Karlos Zarraga, who ber 14 for A Candle in the Night: Basque of the Center, as remembered by many of voluntarily worked for decades sending Studies at the University of Nevada, 1967– those who were most important in its founda- books, materials, and assorted information 2007. The book includes interviews done tion and development. Within the context to the Basque Library, as well as Anttonmari by Pedro J. Oiarzabal of ten of the people of this story, it also offers much valuable Aldekoa-Otalora, manager of Urretxindorra most involved with the Center over its forty information about the Center’s offspring. bookstore in Bilbao. The bookstore has been years of existence. The chroniclers are Gorka These include the vast Basque Library, which the main supplier of materials to the Basque Aulestia, Jill Berner, Kate Camino, William is the main repository of information about Library for many years. A lunch was served A. Douglass, Joxe Mallea Olaetxe, Sandra all things Basque for the English-speaking in Getchell Library, followed by presentations Ott, Marcelino Ugalde, Carmelo Urza, Linda world; the Basque Book Series of the Univer- by Center for Basque Studies and Basque White, and Joseba Zulaika. sity of Nevada Press, one of the most success- Library staff. The Basque Library staff, led ful ethnic series published by an academic by interim Basque Librarian Nere Erkiaga, The director of the Oral History Program, press in the United States; and the University also prepared an extensive exhibit on the Tom King, gave some opening remarks fol- Studies Abroad Consortium, which, with a history and activities of the Center for Basque lowed by co-directors of the CBS, Joseba presence in twenty-five countries, is one of Studies. Zulaika and Eric Herzik. William Douglass, the largest programs of its kind in the world. founder and coordinator of the Basque Stud- Center receives recognition ies Program/Center for Basque Studies for its A Candle in the Night: Basque Studies at from Nevada Legislature first thirty-three years, gave his insights into the University of Nevada, 1967–2007. Reno: the origins of the program and acknowledged UNOHP, 2007 (hardcover, 452 pages, illus- The Nevada Legislature recognized the the contributions of the many who have been trations, $29.95) To order a copy, please con- Center for Basque Studies’ research, involved in its development. Pedro Oiarzabal tact the University of Nevada Oral History publications, and library collections by then addressed the group and told about the Program at 775.784.6932, or see their web passing a resolution to commemorate creation of the book. Several interviewees site at http://oralhistory.unr.edu. the Center’s 40th Anniversary. The were present to sign books for the guests. resolution was introduced by Nevada State  Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Highlights

Joseba Zulaika participated in a lecture Basque Ph.D. candidate Juan Arana Basque Literature Series editor Mari Jose series at the Community College of published a review of Oteiza: La vida Olaziregi reported that her compilation, Southern Nevada in Las Vegas April 5, como experimento by Pilar Muñoa An Anthology of Basque Short Stories, with a lecture and discussion on “Waiting (Irún: Alberdania, 2006) in Revista published in 2004 by the Center in Eng- for Terror: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Internacional de Estudios Vascos, 50.2. lish, was translated into Russian by Elena of Terrorism.” In the same journal, issue 51.1, Arana Zernova and published by St. Petersburg published an article on “The Convex University Press. The Anthology has Dr. Sandra Ott attended the 53rd annual and the Concave: The Feminine in Jorge also been published in Italian, translated conference of the Society for French His- Oteiza’s Mythological Cosmogony.” by Roberta Gozzi (Gran Via Edizioni, torical Studies at the University of Hous- 2007). It was compiled and edited by Dr. ton, March 15–17, where she presented a The Special Collections Department of Olaziregi and Linda White, and includes paper entitled “The Philosophical Reflec- the University of Nevada Libraries selections by noted Basque authors such tions and Mundane Concerns of a Nazi launched a new website in March 2007, as Bernardo Atxaga, J. Sarrionandia, H. Officer,” on the panel Wartime Writing: “Sheepherders of Northern Nevada.” Cano, A. Iturbe, and A. Lertxundi. France during the Two World Wars. It features more than 500 beautiful photographs of sheep ranching, Basque Prof. Sandra Ott was awarded the Millstone An introductory course on Basque history tree carvings, oral histories and interviews Prize of the Western Society for French and culture was given by Gloria with herders in video and audio. It may be History for her paper, “Gift-Giving and Totoricagüena during the winter 2006– found at: http://www.library.unr.edu/ the Management of Justice: Borderland 07 term at Stanford University. Topics sheepherders. Basques under German Occupation included politics, economics, geography, (1942–1944) and during the Liberation.” cinema, and the Basque diaspora. Guest On April 17, Joseba Zulaika participated The $500 prize is awarded to the best speakers included chef Gerard Hirigoyen in a roundtable at the Instituto Cervantes interdisciplinary paper presented at the of restaurant in San Francisco, of New York on the book Learning from annual conference. and the Basque Government Councilor the Bilbao Guggenheim, edited by Anna of Education, Tontxu Campos. Stanford María Guasch and Dr. Zulaika follow- Joseba Zulaika’s book ETAren Hautsa Provost John Etchemendy served as the ing a conference on that subject at the (ETA’s Ashes), published in Basque in Stanford sponsoring professor. University of Nevada, Reno in April 2004. 2006 by Alberdania, has now come out in Discussants also included Dr. Guasch (Art a Spanish translation by Gerardo Marku- Basque Ph.D. candidate Argitxu Camus History, Barcelona University); Keith leta entitled Polvo de ETA. The work is a was recognized for her outstanding schol- Moxey (Barnard College); Beatriz Colo- lengthy essay on the historical significance arship in Who’s Who among Students in mina (School of Architecture, Princeton of ETA for the author’s generation. American Universities and Colleges for University); and Hans Haake (artist, NY). 2007. She was recognized at a ceremony In August, Dr. Olaziregi published the and reception held at the University of Idoya Salaburu Urruty, USA Representa- anthology Six Basque Poets (Todmorden Nevada, Reno on March 14, 2007. tive for EuskoSare, visited the University (UK): Arc Publications), translated by on April 18 to interview the staff and Amaia Gabantxo. It includes poems by A weekend class on Basques in the American visitors at the Center for Basque Studies Bernardo Atxaga, , West was offered by Sandra Ott in April in conjunction with the celebration of the Felipe Juaristi, Rikardo Arregi, Miren on the Redfield Campus in Reno. Basque CBS’ 40th Anniversary. She produced Agur Meabe, and Kirmen Uribe, and was culture was explored from a variety of several online articles throughout the launched at the Edinburgh Book Festival. perspectives, from global to local, in the year about the Center and its projects. context of contemporary Western society. EuskoSare is an initiative of Eusko On September 17, Dr. Sandra Ott organized Ikaskuntza, the Basque Studies Society, and convened a panel, “The FBI and Our Dr. Zulaika published an article, “Perdón,” and promotes information exchange from Constitutional Rights—A Practical Ap- in Andrés Ortiz-Oses and Patxi Lanceros and about Basques around the world. proach,” as part of the University of Ne- (eds.), Diccionario de la Existencia vada Constitution Day events. The panel (Barcelona: Anthropos, 2007). He also In summer 2007, Dr. Mari Jose Olaziregi featured Bob Gast, former FBI agent and published an article on “The Ruins of finished an M.A. in Studies in Fiction at Asst. Director of the FBI Laboratory in Theory and a Theory of Ruins: On Con- the University of East Anglia (U.K.) with Washington, DC, and Krista Stanton, with version,” in the Revista de Antropología a dissertation on Ramon Saizarbitoria’s Prof. Jim Richardson as moderator. Social 2007 (15). Rossetti’s Obsession. Joseba Zulaika participated in the Docu- Alberto Irigoyen and Adriana Patrón of In September, Xabier Irujo participated in a menta 12 exhibit in Kassel, Germany, by Uruguay visited the Basque Library for a conference, “Beyond The Nation? Critical giving a talk on “Bilbao and the Arts” week in January 2007, and while here as- Reflections on Nations and Nationalism in sponsored by the art magazine Brumaria sisted with the ongoing digitizing project. Uncertain Times,” at Queen’s University from Madrid. Each summer Documenta They converted several magazines and in Belfast. He spoke on “Realpolitik: A newspapers from the library’s archives Lesson from Gernika,” in a panel on The into digital format. Eskerrik asko! Challenge of : 1. (continued on page 9)

 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Publications from the Center — 2007

During the Durango Book Fair, an annual event in the Basque region, Joseba Zulaika presented the books published by the Center in 2007. The event took place December 3 at in Bilbao. Authors Cameron Watson, Javier Corcuera, Anjel Lertxundi, David Río, and Pedro Oiarzabal also took apart in the presentation, which was attended by the public and members of the media. For ordering information, please see page 12.

Javier Corcuera Atienza – The Origins, Ideology, and Organization of Basque Nationalism, 1876–1903 Translated by Albert Bork and Cameron J. Anjel Lertxundi – Watson. (Occasional Papers Series, No. 12) Perfect Happiness 524 pp., paper, $29.95 Translated by Amaia Gabantxo (Basque In this seminal work, Javier Corcuera charts Literature Series, No. 4) the emergence and rise of nationalism within 148 pp., paper, $19.95 the context of a society experiencing tremen- dous economic, social, and political transforma- Perfect Happiness tion. He focuses on the figure of Sabino Arana, is a realist novella the founder of Basque nationalism, arguing with lyrical overtones. that he evolved from a traditionalist-inspired It explores how and quasi-religious messianic vision of outright witnessing a terrorist independence to a position of accommodation assassination affects of Basque difference within Spain. (Spanish a teenage girl’s life version published by Siglo Veintiuno, 1979.) over a span of fourteen years. Against this backdrop Lertxundi explores one of his recurring themes: the relationship between art and death. It is an eloquent plea for the right to Cameron J. Watson – Basque Nationalism beauty and happiness and the importance of and Political Violence: The Ideological and following one’s conscience. (Basque version Intellectual Origins of ETA (Occasional Papers Series, No. 14) published by Alberdania, 2000.) 332 pp., paper, $29.95; hardcover, $39.95

A historical account of how images of violence David Río – Robert Laxalt: The Voice of the and warfare pervaded the discourse of Basque Basques in American Literature nationalism. This work views Basque political Translated by Kristin Addis. (Occasional violence as the contemporary manifestation of Papers Series, No. 13) a past cultural experience, based on a prob- 192 pp., paper, $24.95 lematic dialogue with the emergence of mod- ern Spain. Yet it does not limit its explanation This work focuses on the representation of the of ETA’s emergence to the Spanish context Basques in Robert Laxalt’s literary work, with alone. Rather, it emphasizes the transna- emphasis on the different themes, characters, tional context in which nationalist movements and settings present in his books. Particular emerge and develop. attention is paid to Sweet Promised Land and its legacy fifty years after its publication. (Spanish version published by Universidad del País Vasco, 2002) William A. Douglass and Joseba Zulaika – Basque Culture: Anthropological Perspectives (Basque Textbook Series) 535 pp.; paper, $19.95, hardcover, $39.95

This textbook regarding Basque anthropology is intended for use in both the classroom and with online instruction. Co-authors Douglass and Zulaika are social anthropologists and each has served as director of the Center for Basque Studies. Basque Culture: Anthropolog- ical Perspectives incorporates the class notes of the two authors, compiled over several decades. It presents an overview of Basque prehistory, linguistics, and physical and social/ cultural anthropology, illustrated in part by their personal experiences as anthropological field- workers and Basque scholars.

 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Highlights (continued) David Río discusses Robert Laxalt’s work exhibits the works of many international for Children (LIJMI) held in Santiago de artists, including work in all media. Compostela (Spain) September 10–13. Prof. David Río of the University of the The title of the proposal was “The Spanish Basque Country visited the center for two Mari Jose Olaziregi is is a member of Civil War and Literature for Children.” weeks in October and gave a talk on “Robert the Literature Research Committee of Laxalt: Fifty Years as ‘Mr. Basque’ in Ameri- Euskaltzaindia (Royal Academy of the Joseba Zulaika published an article entitled can Literature.” He discussed his book, Basque Language) and director of the “From Dictatorship to Empire: The State Robert Laxalt: The Voice of the Basques website on Basque literature, www. of Exception as Rule” in Rob van Ginkel in American Literature (Center for Basque basqueliterature.com. The website pro- and Alex Strating, eds., Wildness and Studies, 2007), which focuses on the repre- vides information about contemporary Sensation: Anthropology of Sinister and sentation of the Basques in Laxalt’s literary Basque literature and collects translated Sensuous Realms (Apeldoorn-Antwerpen: work, with emphasis on the different themes, samples of current Basque writers. Infor- Het Spinhuis, 2007). characters, and settings present in his books. mation regarding research, promotion, He later also presented an informal discus- publications, or translations of Basque Xabier Irujo taught a seminar on Contem- sion centering on transatlantic readings of literature can be found in Basque, Span- porary Basque Politics to 25 students at Robert Laxalt’s novels, especially Sweet ish, French, and English. Boise State University, November 10–11. Promised Land, sponsored by the English Department. Joseba Zulaika participated in an interna- On November 17, Sandra Ott presented tional conference on “Paths to Democ- a workshop for Washoe County school Río is a professor of North American lit- racy: Constitutional Stories,” held Sep- teachers on “Basques in the Sweet erature at the Universidad del País Vasco in tember 25–27 at the Center for the Study Promised Land.” Guest speakers included Vitoria-Gasteiz. His current area of research of Global Change, Indiana University Linda and Carolyn Dufurrena, Florence is the literature of the American West, and he School of Law, Bloomington. His paper Etcheberry Frye, and Louis and Lorraine has published several articles on this subject was entitled “Declining States and the Erreguible. Kate Camino also brought the in European and North American journals. Paradoxes of Constitutional Stories: The Reno Basque Club dancers to perform at Spanish Case.” the workshop.

Sandra Ott was interviewed live on the The Basque Hotel by Robert Laxalt has been University’s KUNR Radio—“Wolf Pack translated into Spanish by David Río, phi-  Radio”—on October 10. She discussed lology professor at the University of the the Center for Basque Studies, the Basque Basque Country (Vitoria-Gasteiz). A for- library, and her research on the Basques. mal presentation of the book, The Basque J. Zulaika presents Hotel: Nacido en America (Ttarttalo), On October 18, Joseba Zulaika participated took place on October 30 in Donostia-San lectures in Spain at the Universidad Iberoamericana of Sebastián. Prof. Joseba Zulaika gave several presen- Puebla, Mexico in a panel on The Con- tations in Spain during Spring 2007. In temporary City, Humanity’s Heritage, In 2007, Sandra Ott received a second, Gernika on April 27—the 70th Anniversary and gave a lecture on “City Transforma- generous Creative and Scholarly Activi- of the bombing of Gernika by the Nazis’ tions through Cultural Events.” He also ties Grant from the College of Liberal Arts Condor Legion—at the 17th International gave a lecture on October 19 on “The for the continuation of her research on Convention on Culture and Peace, he spoke Bilbao Guggenheim: Ten Years Later” at Franco-Basque-German relations during on “Gernika 2007, or the Crisis of Witness- the Casa LAMM in Mexico City, for stu- the Occupation. The grant funded a trip to ing among Basques.” dents of a Master’s program in museums. Pau, France for archival work in the clas- sified files of suspected collaborators. On May 2, in Barcelona, he gave two lec- Dr. Sandra Ott gave the paper “Deserters, tures: “City Renewal by Architecture: The Defaulters, Poilus and their Families: David Río et al. have edited the book, Bilbao Model” for the Transit Projects, and Basques in the Great War,” at the 35th Exploring the American Literary West: “Seductions, Asymmetries, Deferred Ac- annual conference of the Western Society International Perspectives (Bilbao: Uni- tions: The Bilbao Guggenheim Ten Years for French History held November 7–10 versidad del País Vasco, 2006). The essays Later” at the Universidad Autónoma de Bar- at the University of New Mexico in emphasize the importance of consider- celona. At the Universidad Pablo de Olavide Albuquerque. ing the West and western writing in an in Seville, as part of a conference on “City international context. To order contact and Image,” he presented “Architecture and Mari Jose Olaziregi presented a paper in [email protected]. Symbolism” on May 4. November on “Lectura comparatista de las imagenes del ‘Otro’ en la obra de In Fall 2007, the Center offered classes in He also addressed the Basque Academy in Atxaga” at the Fifth International Confer- Basque language by Mari Jose Olaziregi, Bilbao on May 10 as part of their lecture ence of Anilij, “On Identitities,” in Leon, Basque Cultural Studies by Joseba Zu- series on Basque literature with a talk on Spain. She also presented a research laika, Modern Basque History by Xabier “Lauaxeta, Etxebarrieta, Yoyes: The Trans- project proposal at the meeting that the Irujo, and Basque Literature by Mari formations of the Basque Political Subject.” Network of Researchers on Literature Jose Olaziregi.

 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Basque Studies Publications of Interest lectures presented

Standard Basque: A Progressive Grammar Un nuevo treinta y uno. Ideología y es- by visiting scholars by Rudolf P. G. deRijk (Massachusetts Insti- trategia del Gobierno de Euzkadi durante tute of Technology Press, 2007) la Segunda Guerra Mundial a través de la On March 2, José Antonio Campos, Minis- correspondencia de José Antonio Aguirre y ter of Education, Universities, and Research This modern pedagogically-oriented refer- Manuel Irujo of the Basque Government, spoke on “Tri- ence to the grammar of unified Basque (Eus- by Xabier Irujo Ametzaga (Bilbao: Fundación lingual Education in the Basque Country kara Batua) is organized in two sections: Part Sabino Arana, 2007). and the Policies for Maintaining an Endan- 1 presents detailed grammar lessons; Part 2 gered Language.” He discussed the options contains glosses and supplementary materi- This anthology of the correspondence available to students in the Basque Country als. In addition to information on the vari- between Manuel Irujo and José Antonio for electing the language(s) of instruction ous dialects, the book includes thousands of Aguirre, key political personalities during a for their schooling: Basque, Spanish, and/or example sentences and extensive vocabulary deciding moment in the history the Basque English. Dr. Campos is a member of the listings. Most chapters conclude with exer- Country, allows the reader to examine and Center’s Advisory Board. cises. The book may be ordered from the MIT interpret the original historical sources as Pedro Ibarra, the 2006–07 William Dou- Press web site: http://mitpress.mit.edu. written by the protagonists themselves. The glass Visiting Distinguished Scholar, gave material outlines the political strategy of the a presentation on April 3 on “Democracy in This book was prepared for publication after Government of Euzkadi during the period the Basque Country.” Dr. Ibarra is a profes- the author’s death by his wife, Virginia de from 1939 up until 1955, when the Franco sor of political science at the University of Rijk-Chan (a former Asst. Coordinator of the regime gained acceptance by the United the Basque Country. His discussion centered Center), with Armand De Coene and Fleur Nations. on attempts to devise a new proposal from Veraart and the assistance of linguists at Cor- the theoretical debate about democracy. nell University and Leiden University and the Dr. Zesar Martínez, Professor of Sociol- University of the Basque Country. ogy at the University of the Basque Coun- try, presented a lecture on “Civil Society and Democratic Participation in the Basque Country” on April 25. He discussed how Basque civil society has shifted from a strong capacity for mobilization in such ar- eas as recovery of the language, to progres- sive demobilization as public institutions and political parties have taken on these issues. On April 30, Dr. Carmelo Moreno del Río, Professor of Political Science, Univer- Events presented for sity of the Basque Country, gave a presen- tation on “Political Humor in the Basque Country.” He described how the polariza- anniversary of Gernika tion and disruption in Basque politics over the last few decades have made it difficult bombing to introduce political humor in the media. The bombing and destruction of the Basque a display in Getchell Library with photos Dr. Miguel Calvo, professor of Geog- town of Gernika was an aerial attack on April and information on the Gernika bombing. raphy and Cartography of the University 26, l937, during the , by the A seminar/discussion on “The Resolution of the Basque Country, spoke on “Spain German Luftwaffe squadron known as the of Political Conflict” was presented on May and the Basque Country: An Overview of Condor Legion. It was, at the time, the largest 3, with Dr. Pedro Ibarra (Dept. of Political the European Area of Higher Education” aerial bombardment of a town. On the 70th Science, University of the Basque Country on July 18. He discussed establishment of anniversary of this important event in Basque and 2006–2007 William A. Douglass Distin- the EAHE agreements signed by European history and heritage, the San Francisco guished Visiting Scholar) and Basque histo- Ministers of Education to make European Basque Cultural Center organized several rian Dr. Xabier Irujo of the Center for Basque higher education more comparable, and events, including the screening of The Mark Studies. Dr. Irujo explained the history of the more competitive for Europeans and other of Man by historian Dr. Pedro Oiarzabal; bombing of Gernika by the Nazis during the scholars. Dr. Calvo’s visit was sponsored by presentations on the history of the bombing, Spanish Civil War, and Dr. Ibarra discussed the University Studies Abroad Consortium. given by Gloria Totoricagüena; and a com- later development of the Basque conflict as On August 2, visiting scholar Asier memorative oak tree planting ceremony at Basque nationalism gained momentum in the Barandiaran of the Dept. of Philology, Uni- Sister Cities Park in South San Francisco. post-war era. They then opened a discussion versity of , spoke on “ of the theories and experiences of political in the United States.” He received a Begoña The University of Nevada, Reno also marked conflict resolution, especially with relation to Aretxaga Travel Stipend from the Center the anniversary. The Basque Library, directed the Basque conflict. to research maintenance of oral traditions by interim librarian Nere Erkiaga, exhibited and bertsolaritza (Basque improvised oral poetry) by Basque immigrants to the U.S. 10 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Study Abroad in the Basque Country

Where are YOU going? With more than 25 years of experience and roots in the Basque Country, you can be sure you have someone to turn to for quality study abroad programs. The University Studies Abroad Consortium sends over 2,500 students abroad each year on USAC programs. Students from over 700 universities worldwide have participated in these accredited academic programs. Enrollment is on the rise as more students recognize the importance and benefits of a study abroad experience. Don’t miss this opportunity—get your application in early!

USAC San Sebastián students enjoy the Basque coast.

Pau, France San Sebastián, Spain French and European Studies Spanish and Basque Studies Fall 2008: September–December Fall 2008: August–December Spring 2009: January–April Spring 2009: January–May Summer 2008: Session I (5 weeks), Session II (4 weeks) Summer 2008: Session I (5 weeks), Session II (4 weeks)

Courses offered: Intensive French language, literature, Courses offered: Intensive Spanish and Basque language, culture, cuisine, history, internship, government and politics, culture, art history, dance, cuisine, cinema, history, Camino de photography, Camino de Santiago, and more. Santiago, and more. Field Trips: Paris, Pyrénées, Bordeaux, Mauvezin, Toulouse, Field Trips: Madrid, Burgos, French and Spanish Basque French and Spanish Basque Country. Country. Lodging: Homestays or university residence halls. Lodging: Homestays or apartments.

Bilbao/Getxo, Spain International Business, Spanish, and Cultural Studies Camino de Santiago Field Study in Session II 2008 Fall 2008: August–December (1 credit): Pau, France; Alicante, Madrid, San Sebastián, Spain. Spring 2009: January–May Students will examine the history and culture associated with Summer 2008: Session I (3 weeks), Session II (3 weeks) the famous pilgrimage that dates from the . Class- room sessions during Session II and the 60-mile hike itself will Courses offered: Intensive Spanish language, Spanish and be the two components of this unique field study. Breakfast, pic- Basque culture, international business, economics, art history, nic lunch, and lodging are included in the additional fee of $720. internship, dance, cuisine, political science, and more. Field Trips: Madrid, Burgos, French and Spanish Basque Country. University Studies Abroad Consortium Lodging: Homestays or apartments. University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0323 Reno, NV 89557-0323 Toll-free: 866.404.USAC Phone: 775.784.6569 Fax: 775.784.6010 Email: [email protected] Website: http://usac.unr.edu

USAC offers 37 programs in 25 countries: Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden and Thailand.

11 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Reno, Nevada Center for Basque Studies Permit No. 26 University of Nevada, Reno / 2322 Reno, Nevada 89557-2322

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Visit our web site at: http://basque.unr.edu From the Basque Book Series Published by the University of Nevada Press

Edward Behrend-Martínez – Unfit for Dominique Laxalt left the French Pyrenees Marriage: Impotent Spouses on Trial in the at sixteen for America, where he became a Basque Region of Spain, 1650–1750 sheepherder in the Nevada desert. Like his 224 pages, hardcover, $34.95 fellow Basque immigrants, he dreamed of someday returning to the land Transcripts of seventeenth- of his beginnings. Sweet Prom- century impotency trials ised Land is the story of his conducted by the ecclesiasti- eventual return, told by his son cal court of Calahorra in La Robert, who accompanied him Rioja—an area incorporating to the pastoral mountain village both Basque and Castilian of Tardets in France. populations and including urban and rural parishes— * * * provide insights into the dynamics of daily marital life André Lecours – Basque Spanish state. His discussion employs histori- and the role that property, Nationalism and the Spanish cal institutionalism, and it includes an up- gender, and personal prefer- State to-date examination of recent events such as ence played in marriage. 256 pages, hardcover, $34.95 ETA’s announcement in 2006 of a permanent cease-fire. * * * Basque nationalism has been extensively examined from the Ordering information: Robert Laxalt – Sweet Promised Land. 50th perspectives of Basque culture and internal To order Center for Basque Studies and Anniversary Edition conditions in the Basque Country, but André University of Nevada Press materials, you Foreword by Ann Ronald Lecours is among the first to demonstrate may contact the University of Nevada Press: 207 pages, paper, $18.00; hardcover, $29.95 how Basque nationalism was shaped by the Phone (Reno, NV, USA): 877.682.6657 many forms and historical phases of the Online: www.unpress.nevada.edu

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