Gypsies have always intrigued and fascinated - partly because of their mysterious origins, and partly because of the romance of nomadism.But because they resist assimilation, having survived as a distinct people for over a thousand years, they have also been the victims of other people's nationalism and xenophobia.In this fascinating and timely study, Fonseca focuses particularly on the gypsies in Eastern Europe (an estimated 6 million), and their future as a distinct race within a nationalist Europe.While researching the book, Fonseca learned Romany and stayed with the gypsies, becoming deeply involved with their lives, and befriending several gypsy kings.The result is a clolourful and frank book, filled with enthusiasm and curiosity, without lapsing into piety or romanticism.