The motto of Crawford, Virginia, might well be Beware what you fear, because it may come true. Penny Bone is terrified of the town's local legend of a child-stealing phantom. Henry Gault, her six-year-old daughter's teacher, scoffs at the tale, trusting in reason and foresight to safeguard what is most precious to him. Penny's husband, John, is in prison for an accidental murder that happened because he was trying to be too careful. And in prison he will, almost accidentally, become a hero, which makes him prey to what he fears most—hope. An eerie succession of events will take these people into the bull's-eye of risk that everyday life presents. While the Gypsy Man may be just one of Crawford's myths, John and Penny Bone are as real as the rising sun, and their strength, separately and together, reminds us why life is worth living. The Gypsy Man, and its durable and enduring characters, illuminates how an elusive truth lives behind every legend.

Back in print: a stylish fantasy thriller from two bestselling masters of the form

A formidable challenge to the study of Roma (Gypsy) music is the muddle of fact and fiction in determining identity. This book investigates "Gypsy music" as a marked and marketable exotic substance, and as a site of active cultural negotiation and appropriation between the real Roma and the idealized Gypsies of the Western imagination. David Malvinni studies specific composers-including Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Janacek, and Bartók-whose work takes up contested and varied configurations of Gypsy music. The music of these composers is considered alongside contemporary debates over popular music and film, as Malvinni argues that Gypsiness remains impervious to empirical revelations about the "real" Roma.

Embark on a captivating journey with "Lavengro: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Priest." Penned by George Borrow, this novel intertwines the worlds of scholars, Romanies, and the clergy, offering readers a rich tapestry of English life and culture. Set against the backdrop of England, this work is a testament to Borrow's literary prowess and his keen insights into society's diverse facets.

Reproduction of the original: The Gypsy's Parson by George Hall

This magnificent Gypsy anthology was first published in London 1930. It contains over 300 items of prose and verse gleaned from classical literature, folklore, history and true Gypsy life. It has long been considered unique in its field and is very hard to find in its first edition. We have now re-published this scarce book incorporating the original text and illustrations. The book's 380 pages are divided into 12 sections designed to bring to light the chief facets of Gypsy life. They have been chosen for their historical and anthropological interest and are supported with illustrations of the real Gypsy way of life, and yet the same wind blows over all on this Gypsy heath. Contents include: The Dark Race. - The Roaming Life. - Field and Sky. - Gypsies and Gentiles. - The Romany Chye. - Gypsy Children. - Sturt and Strife. - Black Arts. - A Gypsy Bestiary. - Egipte Speche. - Scholar Gypsies. - Envoy. Also included is a glossary of Romani words. This important book is thoroughly recommended for inclusion on the bookshelf of all with an interest in Gypsy ways.