Written by a Romani (gypsy), this introduction to Roma life, health, food, culture, and society provides an insightful look at this despised by mysterious minority originating in India. Extensively illustrated, it looks at the people, their history since leaving India 1,000 years ago, and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled. It offers candid advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know the Roma as individuals, with short biographies of Roma in many different walks of life.
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About the Author
Ian Hancock received his Ph.D. from London University and teaches Romani studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where he is the director of the Romani Archives and Documentation Center. He was born in Britain but descends on his father's side from the Benczi Imre family, which left Hungary in the second half of the 19th century. In 1998 President Clinton appointed him to represent Romanies on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. he is the author of over 300 books and articles, mostly on the Roma.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Bruce Giese
Format:Paperback
When you read this book, you'll clearly get the sense that the author is representing Romani people, their views and concerns. This book explains in detail Romani history and Romani stereotypes. It spends a lot of effort explaining what Romani people aren't but not enough on what they are. If you're looking for an interesting insight into the people labelled as "Gypsies", what you'll find here is a lecture against erroneous information instead.
That being said, the book still does have a lot of interesting information. It's very solid in discussing Romani history. And I found the list of prominent individuals of Romani ancestory to be interesting: Charlie Chaplin, US President Bill Clinton, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), Freddie Prinze and Freddie Prinze Jr.
By S W
Format:Paperback
I just recently read this book, and I think it is very good, especially for those of non-Rom blood who would like some basic information. The author is himself Rom, so this is not written "about" Gypsies, but actually by one. I was very glad to see that, and was the reason that I picked it up in the first place. The book doesn't (and can't) go into very much detail about particular cultural practices, etc, and that was my only disappointment with it.
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Anyway, I would like to tell you something else. I just received my papers. I hope you remember my and your comments about Hancock's "Romaivi." I will use Latin letters here for the sake of legibility. To refresh your memory, according to Hancock, the Byzantines called themselves "Romaivi" - which is absurd. The ancient Greek "Romaioi" (pronounced [ro'ma'yo'i], today [ro'me'i]) is the plural of Romaios ([ro'ma'yos], today [ro'me'os]) which means "a male Roman person" and comes from the Greek (or Hellenic, if you prefer) word for Rome - "Roma." The Byzantines called themselves Romans - that is, "Romaioi" and not "Romaivi." To distinguish between Romans and Byzantines, in Modern Greek the word "latinikos" (Latin) is broadly used to define "Roman" as an adjective. I am all too well aware of everything you commented about the origin of the word "Rumelia" and do not need to consult Dr. Erdinc or anyone about the matter. It indeed comes from those "Romaios" and "Roma" - not from "Romaivi" or any such nonsense of a word. The invented word "Romaivi" cited by Hancock, like the many other mistakes he makes in an attempt to show knowledge in everything, ruins his otherwise very informative and interesting book, thus (maybe undeservedly) casting a shadow of doubt on the other more "central" points that he makes. Therefore, I would suggest to you in good faith not to use this edition of his book or use it only with extreme caution. That is the point I wanted to make.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have
This is a must-read book for anyone who is interested in not only the Romani people but also in the roles they have played in history. Read more
Published on April 4 2003 by Jeannette Marxen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful overview of the Romani culture!
An absolutely indispensable book if you are interested in Romani culture. It gives a great explanation of how gaujos (Non-Romani) should present questions, and gives answers to... Read more
Published on Mar 3 2003 by Amber Hansford
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very helpful
This book is a very good overview of the Romani culture for people living with Romani neighbors and working with Romani people. Read more
Published on Jan 21 2003
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