The Gypsies, seemingly immune to progress, live in an everlasting Now, in a perpetual, heroic present, as if they recognized...

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THE GYPSIES

The Gypsies, seemingly immune to progress, live in an everlasting Now, in a perpetual, heroic present, as if they recognized only the slow pulse of eternity, and were content to live in the margin of history."" This beautifully presented study is also a fascinating story. The author actually lived the myth. He ran away with a band of European Gypsies at the age of twelve and shared their way of life for many years. He speaks of the incredible network the Gypsies build around themselves to protect their true culture from the Gaje (non-Gypsy). He discusses their language, religion, communication system, their strict sense of discipline, the rigid mores by which the community lives, their unusual (to the Western mind) sense of value. What emerges is a very affective portrait of a vital people, primitive practical survivors who do live the moment to the fullest.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1967

ISBN: 0881333050

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1967

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