The Gypsies

The author, a fluent speaker of Romany, takes listeners on a vivid tour of nomadic life across continents. He describes intimate encounters with the famed musical gypsies of St. Petersburg and Moscow, where he was welcomed as a brother, and with the pioneering Austrian Romany orchestra that impressed even Liszt. Brief sketches also capture the colorful customs of English, Welsh, Oriental and American Romany groups, offering a rare glimpse into worlds that most travelers never see.

Beyond the anecdotes, the book delves into the language and origins of the gypsies. The author presents his own research linking Romany speech to an Indian tribe, proposes a resolution to the disputed etymology of “Zingan,” and shares a fascinating chapter on the Shelta Thari, a Celtic‑derived jargon long ignored by scholars. Conversations with figures such as Thomas Carlyle and Lord Lytton add further depth, making the work a valuable resource for anyone curious about the cultural and linguistic tapestry of these wandering peoples.