Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians [Paperback]

Garth Cartwright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

 

"Garth Cartwright is a modern-day Don Quixote...Like a conjurer, Cartwright's prose brings the songs to life. He describes the tragic Gypsy ghettos, the engulfing poverty and racism, drugs and petty crimes...And yet in the end, this book is a grand celebration of life and music."-Vintage Guitar Magazine

Garth Cartwright fuses travel and music writing as he travels through the Balkans, heading to Gypsy settlements that are not just off the beaten track but literally off the map. On his wild journey, Cartwright wanders through the ruins of post-Communist Serbia and observes Roma refugees from the Kosovo conflict. He attends a Gypsy wedding in Macedonia, almost marries a Gypsy princess in Kocani, and witnesses the fiery celebrations that mark Ederlezi, the Night of the Gypsies, in an impoverished Bulgarian Gypsy ghetto. Weaving historical fact, mythic tales, and contemporary voices, this is a wonderfully compelling journey into uncharted territory, both social and musical.

Garth Cartwright was born in New Zealand. In 1986 he moved to London, where he now lives and works as a music journalist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'Excellent survey of Roma musicians in the Balkans... What distinguishes Cartwright is his style, his verve and his whole-hearted engagement with his subject' Observer 'Funny, revealing and frequently moving' Observer Music Monthly 'A timely and hugely enjoyable exploration of the most exciting music Europe has to offer' Songlines 'Reminiscent of Jack Kerouac or Hunter S. Thompson... the prose is carefully written and keenly observed' New Internationalist 'For anyone interested in the reality of Roma culture, or planning a holiday in the region, this is the perfect offbeat companion' Sue Steward, Telegraph 'Insightful, energised and empathetic' Time Out" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Garth Cartwright was born in Palookaville, New Zealand. He left school at 16, tried his hand at singing in punk bands, promoting concerts and even boxing, before turning to writing full time. In 1995 he won the Guardian Music Writing Award. He has written for the Guardian, Telegraph, Independent On Sunday, The Times, and Folk Roots.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Serpent's Tail (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852428775
• ISBN-13: 978-1852428778
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,471,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Journey, November 26, 2005

By 

madnomad.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians (Paperback)

Combining the experiences of travelling close to the ground in interesting places with the richness that is Roma music... what could be better! The author's colorful, down-to-earth writing style makes for a joyful read. His passionate but critical perspectives on the music make it that much for worthwhile. I only wish there was a companion CD!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduces readers to the world of the Gypsy mahalas and their musical talents, December 4, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians (Paperback)

In search of the Gypsies, master nomadic musicians of Europe, author Cartwright makes a journey through the Balkans and navigates areas not common covered in the usual travelogue: the result introduces readers to the world of the Gypsy mahalas and their musical talents. From Macedonian music's relevance to the modern world to different vocalist styles and the universal Roma hatred of the misleading Gypsy Magic, Princes Amongst Men: Journeys With Gypsy Musicians is steeped in history, culture, and the foundations of Roma musical heritage.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an open door into another world, September 11, 2008

By 

John Michael Grisnik (kansas usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians (Paperback)

This is a gut level adventure into Balkan life and music, not by a tourist! I found it a little difficult at first to find it's rythm, but once I did it took off like the rythms that this book is about. To American ears this music could seem odd, but having been exposed to it in my youth I find it invigorating! 7/8, 9/8, 11/8 timing you won't hear on AM radio. Mr. Cartwright has tapped into it and it flows well in his book. Several of the musicians are on YouTube and listening and watching them really made the book pop and come alive. It is funky, real, and might open a door for you into something completely different! Just what I needed!