"The Basque perspective is largely unaddressed in studies of Charlemagne and
the infamous battle at Rencesvals/Errozabal during which the great emperor’s
rearguard suffered a catastrophic defeat. Xabier Irujo’s book not only addresses
that lack but puts forward a series of compelling arguments as to why the Basque
involvement has not received more in-depth study. As such, this book provides
an interesting example of how reading absence in the archive can yield fruitful
and transformative perspectives."
- Geneviève Young, Medium Aevum, 91.1
''Xabier Irujo has produced another in a string of fine studies examining the pious fictions and malevolent lies told about or perpetrated upon the Basques.''
- Michael Vargas, Speculum 98/4 October (2023)