Gypsies have always intrigued & fascinated
- partly because of their mysterious origins, & partly because of the romance of nomadism. But because they resist assimilation, having survived as a distinct people for over a thousand years, they have also been the victims of other people`s nationalism & xenophobia. In this fascinating & timely study, Fonseca focuses particularly on the gypsies in Eastern Europe (an estimated 6 million), & their future as a distinct race within a nationalist Europe. While researching the book, Fonseca learned Romany & stayed with the gypsies, becoming deeply involved with their lives, & befriending several gypsy kings. The result is a clolourful & frank book, filled with enthusiasm & curiosity, without lapsing into piety or romanticism.