papers jon benito
hurrengoa

on the threshold of communication breakdown

Txema Ramirez de la Piscina eta Petxo Idoyaga · Alberdania

In this day and age, when we have easier and more means of communication than ever, the publishers Alberdania have just released a book that studies the role of the mass media as part of their “Zerberri” collection. The authors Txema Ramirez de la Piscina and Petxo Idoyaga bring together analysis and reflection in the book. They take a look at what has been said about the Basque conflict and they carry out an in-depth study on it. They have compiled what has been written and said in eleven different Basque papers and they manage to balance it off well. They reach the conclusion that if the conflict continues, there will be a serious breakdown in communication. The title of the book owes its name to this conclusion. It’s an interesting study in times when people speak of “a flood of information”.

hurrengoa

an Anthology of 20th Century Poetry

Anitz egile · Susa

The release of the last eleven volumes sees Susa complete a forty volume collection this autumn. Koldo Izagirre has read, chosen and written the introduction to each selection of poetry. The collection is a look back at a century of poetry. We are offered a modern look at some of the old poets and we get to see the innards of the newer ones. Anthologies are a collection of a certain period or epoch. They are the resting home for a poetical review and the feelings the poetry contain. There have been no grandiose intentions in the choice of format. They are small, slim. They are not meant to impose on the reader. They are worth a read. They push the reader on. They are an invitation. A necessary anthology at a very attractive price.

hurrengoa

victor hugo. idi orgaren karranka. Euskal Herrian gandi, 1843

Itzulpena /Translation: Koldo Izagirre · elkar

It’s 200 years since Victor Hugo first came kicking and screaming in the light of day. Several events have been organised in Pasaia to celebrate the fact. Hugo was responsible for one of the most fetching descriptions of the Basques after he had passed through Baiona, Pasaia and Donostia in 1843. This written portrait is to be found in this book, which is more than just an historical chronicle, more than just a romantic photograph. They were originally notes and the work of collecting and classifying done by the translators and organisers is certainly worthy of applause. His testimony is very valuable because he avoids falling back on any clichés. He describes a people who appear nowhere else but in the Basque Country. We didn’t even know they existed. A small community hidden away in a hidden corner of Little Paris that used a different language to communicate. It could have been the discovery of an existence. It could have been, it just might be.