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A Basque History of the World (Book): The origins, myths, language, legends – everything you could ever want to know about the Basques, from their prowess as whale hunters and fearless long-distance fishermen, to how to make a perfect Basque Cake. A great read, fascinating on the beginnings and later development of ETA, and in all ways far more than just a history book. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)<img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=booksonspainc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140298517" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" |
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Category: Spain Books
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El Lobo
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Eduardo Noriega stars in this gripping true-story film about a police informant that infiltrates ETA and helps the police achieve one of their most important historical attacks on the group’s internal structure. Action packed, moving, passionate, (with the obligatory doses of highly-charged sex that few Spanish films go without…) Highly recommended if you like a bit of historical political intrigue. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.com (USA)  |
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The Motorcycle Diaries
Not directly about Spain, but certainly in Spanish and more than worthy of a mention here. The Motorcycle Diaries is the wonderful tale of the transformation of Ernest Guevara, the young, ambitious doctor specialising in Leprosy, into the inimitable Che of Cuban fame. Crossing South America from bottom to top on a classic Norton motorcycle with his friend, Alberto Granado, the scenes of social injustice he witnesses effect profound changes on his character.
This is a deeply inspiring film (you’ll either feel like changing the world, or traveling it on a motorbike by the end), with fine acting from the two protagonists, and stellar appearances from the stunning South American landscapes.
Pick up a copy at:
Amazon.co.uk (Europe)
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Gritty documentary about life in the Basque country in the early 21st Century. Amazon synopsis – “A portrait and exploration of the language and traditions of the Basques and a look at the political nature of the region. Featuring archive footage and interviews with the likes of poets, musicians, terrorists and the people whose lives have been affected by violence.” Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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Luzia – Paco de Lucia
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This was my first introduction to the Flamenco guitar legend Paco de Lucia, and having listened to most of his albums since, this still stands as my long term favorite. It transcends earlier, more traditional albums, with Paco somehow managing to make it sound like he’s playing up to 3 guitars at the same time, jumping from pulse racing tracks that get me jumping out of my chair, to slower, more intense and emotionally charged works. Not one for the traditionalists perhaps, but certainly an evocative, emotional introduction to the skills of the world’s greatest Flamenco guitarist. (If you need more convincing, just check out the reviews via the Amazon.com link below.) Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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The Rough Guide to Spain
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I’ve used this book to travel all over Spain during the last six years and have only been let down once – just watch out for the hostel in Alicante that is described as ‘reasonably clean’. Apart from that this guide is packed with useful information, interesting facts and detailed descriptions of all Spain’s cultural highlights. If you are wondering which of the big guides to go for, look no further. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Sex and Lucia
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One of the most erotic films to have come out of Spain in the last few years. Paz Vega is dazzling as the sensuous girl who falls in love with a troubled young writer. A clever, twisting story and beautifully shot scenes of Madrid and the island wastes of Formentera make this a classic piece of cinema. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Jason Webster moves from academic Oxford to Alicante to learn Flamenco guitar, sleeps with his boss’s wife, commits car-crime with gypsies in Madrid, then goes cold-turkey in Granada. Don’t believe the bad reviews, whether the content is all true or not, it is almost impossible to put this book down. See also his follow-up, Andalus. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Casa Moro
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Sam and Sam Clark have done it again, a beautifully presented cookbook full of mouth-watering dishes from Spain and the Mediterranean. How about Roast Lamb with honey and rosemary? Or garlic chicken with pine nuts, rains and saffron? Or just a simple, warming, chickpea or lentils dish that’s easy to follow and unbelievably satisfying? Salads, vegetables, desserts, tapas, sauces, conserves, soups, paellas…. this book has it all, is complimented by beautiful photos, and is going to see a lot of use in the kitchen. The next best thing to a meal in their famous London restaurant. Highly recommended. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Notes from Spain by Ben Curtis 