The 2013 Argizaiola award for work in Basque language and culture was given to William A. Douglass, a prominent Basque scholar.

Douglass, who served as the director of the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno for over 30 years before retiring, received the award at the 2013 Durangoko Azoka (Durango Book Fair) in December. The book fair, first celebrated over 40 years ago, presents all the significant literary and musical works published in Euskera during the year. The award was first given in 1992, to Jon Bilbao, Douglass’ collaborator on “Amerikanuak.” This ground-breaking book based on years of research chronicled the contributions and exploits of Basques throughout the Americas.

Douglass’ “Amerikanuak”
is probably the most important
book written on Basques
in the Americas

Douglass has spent much of his career studying Basque culture and the history of the Amerikanuak in the United States, according to a release from the Center.

Douglass, whose latest projects include studying the Basque community in Latin America, is planning a conference later this year on the Cuban Basque Community.

In an interview with Durangoko Azoka, Douglass also said he is working on a book about the Basques in the Antipodes.

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