Basque is the sole survivor of the very ancient languages of Western Europe. This book, written by an internationally renowned specialist in Basque, provides a comprehensive survey of all that is known about the prehistory of the language, including pronunciation, the grammar and the vocabulary. It also provides a long critical evaluation of the search for its relatives, as well as a thumbnail sketch of the language, a summary of its typological features, an external history and an extensive bibliography.

Reviews

'Larry Trask has written a handbook on the history of Basque which is both thorough and scholarly. The final chapter, Connections with Other Languages is a classic of modern linguistic literature upon which alone one could justify erecting a monument to act as centre piece in a linguistic hall of fame. Larry Trask deserves our respect and gratitude for producing this magnificent volume. A History of Basque fills an important gap in English language vasconic literature as well as providing a stunning example of how good work can be done.' - Paul Sidwell, University of Melbourne

'Over the last few years Lary Task has been indefatigably publishing a series of superb student handbooks; but his special interest is the Basque language, past and present, and this huge History of Basque is the result of many careful years of detailed investigation.... This is thus a genuinely comprehensive account of a subject that has been much in need of one, presented in a style that is accurate and intelligible and reader-friendly, and it can hardly be praised too highly. - Bulletin of Hispanic Studies 75 98

Book Information
ISBN 9780415867801
Author R. L. Trask
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 816g