I MET A GYPSY

We liked it. And yet its singular charm is hard to convey. The sort of book that the discriminating bookseller will be able to sell on a personal recommendation basis to his discriminating customers -- so have a look yourself, and pick your market. Distinctive for manner and matter. The story of the Winfarthing family, -- gallant, reckless, romantic women, brave somewhat unworldly men, whose fortunes carry them from England, to the Arctic, China, India, and so on. The story is carried forward by a series of short stories, episodes recounted by an outsider, of the various descendants in successive eras, from the 16th century to the present. The blood of Romany crops out unexpectedly, tantalizingly, romantically, tragically. An enchanting and wholly original book -- and as a first novel is an exceptional achievement. We are betting heavily on this as a dark horse sensation.