Gypsy Horses and the Travelers Way: The Road to Appleby Fair [Hardcover]

John S. Hockensmith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2006

Through tales told by the light of stick fires to the drumbeat of hooves across foggy moors, Gypsy Horses and the Travelers' Way reveals the centuries-old but zealously guarded lifestyle of the Romani Gypsies of northern England. With stunning images, lyrical prose and moving poetry, renowned equine photographer John S. Hockensmith invites readers on a unique journey across cultural boundaries to celebrate the rituals of horse trading and spiritual renewal at Appleby Fair.

Hockensmith gained rare entrée into this secluded world when he was invited to join a prominent Gypsy family over two summers during the annual horse-drawn pilgrimage through picturesque villages, along busy modern highways and into verdant pastures where time seems to have been suspended. By the time readers reach the Appleby Fair--a boisterous gathering that first took place more than 300 years ago--Hockensmith has shared a penetrating insight into a way of life cherished by the Gypsies with the same fierce pride they maintain for their horses.

The striking steeds earn first billing by virtue of their historical role in the Gypsies' nomadic existence as well as their chiseled beauty and gentle strength. Hockensmith's lavish photos depict them hauling the Gypsies' brightly painted wagons, carrying young bareback riders through river currents, and punctuating sun-dappled landscapes with the bold pinto patterns of their muscular bodies.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A native of Georgetown, Kentucky, where he maintains an art studio and gallery, John S. Hockensmith is particularly known for his photographic work depicting the Kentucky Derby and exotic breeds of horses. He also has written Spanish Mustangs, a lushly photographed account of how the reintroduction of horses to the North American continent shaped history.

About the Author

Born in 1954, John Stephen Hockensmith studied art and photography at Georgetown College in Kentucky. He began his career in 1975, working for the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a photographer. In 1986, he had his first one-man exhibit of paintings at the Headley-Whitney Museum in Lexington, Kentucky. Beginning in 1994, Hockensmith focused his artistic career on equine themes. From the mid-1990s to the present, he has published, exhibited and distributed fine equine art throughout the United States and in other

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Fine Art Editions Gallery & Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599755971
• ISBN-13: 978-1599755977
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gypsy Horses and the Travelers' Way, December 8, 2006

By 

Ann Allyn Slessman "Annie" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gypsy Horses and the Travelers Way: The Road to Appleby Fair (Hardcover)

Gypsy Horses and the Travelers' Way
By John Hockensmith
Hockensmith Fine Arts
146 E. Main St.
Georgetown, KY 40324
ISBN: 1599755971
Price: $49.95
Page Count: 184
December 8, 2006
Reviewer: Ann Allyn Slessman

While this is John Stephen Hockensmith's first book, it won't be his last. This beautiful book is what most would categorize as a "coffee table" book with one exception - Hockensmith's brilliant prose. One has to wonder why this man hasn't published before now. He writes as if he is having an intimate talk with his readers. And he hits the mark if this was his intention. I cannot imagine anyone panning this book. If they did so, it would surely be an act of jealousy. You will find after reading and perusing this book that his poems continue to live within your heart and mind.

John Stephen Hockensmith is well known in the Midwest for his photography skills. He has photographed the Kentucky Derby Winners' Print and Winners' Circle prints since the year 2000. He owns an art gallery in Georgetown, KY which exhibits equine and animal images sought after by collectors throughout the world.

This book is a treat for the reader's eyes as well as a great source of information on the Romani Gypsies and their beautifully bred Gypsy Horses. The imagery is without comparison and the prose is well written and quite visual in itself. The quality of this work dictates that it will surely outlive Hockensmith.

As the reader journeys through the images and prose of Gypsy Horses and The Travelers' Way they will find it hard not to be lured by the gypsy way of life. Their mysterious cavalier ways seem quite enchanting when compared to nine to fivers. The test - can a reader find their way back home after visiting this work? Read it and find out!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging as it is entertaining, October 7, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gypsy Horses and the Travelers Way: The Road to Appleby Fair (Hardcover)

A superbly presented photographic narrative, "Gypsy Horses And The Travelers' Way: The Road To Appleby Fair" by John S. Hockensmith visually showcases the "mystery and magic" of life as a Romani Gypsy in the northland country of England. Hockensmith has the eye of an artist as expressed through a camera's lens with his full color images of gypsies, gypsy caravans, gypsy life, and a 60-mile, horse-drawn journey through English villages and misty moors, to engage in three centuries of horse trading and communal renewal traditions at the Appleby Fair. Informatively enhanced with an accompanying text that is hallmarked by prose laced with poetry, "Gypsy Horses And The Travelers' Way" is as engaging as it is entertaining and will prove of especial and enduring interest to students of contemporary gypsy life in northern Britain..

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 7, 2008

By 

L. M. ZAHALKA (Bloomfield, Ky USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gypsy Horses and the Travelers Way: The Road to Appleby Fair (Hardcover)

Great book I was sad when I finished it. Beautiful photos ans nice description about the journey to Appleby fair. This would make a wonderful
TV special. Beautiful Gypsy Horses. It will be a pleasure to keep this book in my collection forever. This is definitely a coffee table book.
If you love horses you will love this book. Expensive but well worth the cost.