We Are the Romani People [Paperback]

Ian F. Hancock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1902806190 | ISBN-13: 978-1902806198

The author, who is himself a Romani, speaks directly to the gadze (non-Gypsy) reader about his people, their history since leaving India one thousand years ago and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled, their health, food, culture and society. He offers candid frank advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know Roma as individuals. He describes the development of Roma identity and politics, gives short biographies of prominent Roma in many different walks of life, describes the Romani language and illustrates it with proverbs providing an insight into Roma thought and belief. It is extensively illustrated and provides a rare inside view into the life and society of the Roma people. This book is published in association with OSI, New York, a charitable foundation whose aims include supporting equality of opportunity for the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ian Hancock received his PhD 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 and descends on his father's side from Hungarian Romungre Romanies and on his mother's side from English Romanichal Gypsies. In 1998 President Clinton appointed him to represent Romanies on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. He is the author of over 300 articles and books, mostly on the Romanies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: University Of Hertfordshire Press (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902806190
• ISBN-13: 978-1902806198
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > History > Asia > India

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have April 4, 2003

By Jeannette Marxen

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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. So much of their story is not known or not understood and this book deals with it in such an honest and straight forward way. It discusses and tackles the issues faced by the Romani people but does it in a way that doesn't point fingers or make excuses. Of the few books that actually deal with this topic, most of them are slanted to one side or the other. Hancock's book gives out the informattion for anyone who wants to read it. His personal insight is so helpful, as most of the other authors writing on this topic are non-Romani. This is such an important book, especially for someone interested in specific genres of history like the Holocaust or Middle Ages that it should definitely be on recommended reading lists. Of course you don't need to be a historian just to find this book insightful and interesting. I think everyone should read this book.

36 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a good introduction to Gypsies 101 June 3, 2005

By Deborah MacGillivray HALL OF FAMEVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Likely Gypsies are one race that has been stereotype, maybe often without real thought. Such as the "stolen by the Gypsies..." I often heard that when I was growing up, but never stopped to see it for what it is - a perpetuating of a myth. Well, this book gives you a good start at shattering these pre-set images that are connected to the Gypsies. Written by a man of Gypsy blood, he set out to break these prejudices. He gears this book for schoolteachers, social workers, physicians or other walks of life that comes in contact daily with those of Gypsy origins, with eye to making you see them as the diverse people they are. He gives you a light introduction to Gypsy life and customs, challenges the narrow minds and misconceptions, replacing them with clear-cut, well written

information designed to enlighten and foster tolerance between the Romani and the gadze.

As one who adores my Scottish heritage, I have a great interest in the lore and ethnic heritage of different races. This book does a lot to answer questions and get you started on the road to leaning more about the Romani people.

Very interesting reading.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful January 21, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is a very good overview of the Romani culture for people living with Romani neighbors and working with Romani people. We are helping sponsor a Romani refugee family from Kosova and found this book invaluable in helping us help them feel more comfortable in the U.S. It is written with a focus on helping teachers, social workers and others working with Romani people understand the culture. We learned a lot by reading it. It helps Americans understand the extent and roots of anti-Gypsy bias in Europe, and how many of those negative stereotypes crossed the oceans with the ancestors of European Americans!