The Gypsies of Eastern Europe

by David M. Crowe (Editor), John Kolsti (Editor), Ian Hancock (Introduction)

In recent news coverage of the dramatic political events in Eastern Europe, Gypsies have been a favourite sidebar topic. Some of the stories have been truly horrifying, others are written condescendingly and to amuse; but what has become clear is how little we really know about this people. In a concerted effort to uncover the modern history of the Rom in Eastern Europe, the authors examine the Gypsy experience in Albania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania and Yugoslavia, with special attention to the Nazi Holocaust as well as to the record of the forced settlement and education programmes instituted by communist regimes.

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 1992

Reviews

[Markus]

Interested in the topic, since I work frequently with gypsies in Ukraine and have a "foster son" who grew up in a gypsy orphanage. The book was a times shocking, but sometimes repetitious. I found the first chapter and second last chapter most helpful. If one was in a hurry, the last chapter could be read to get an overview of the whole book. It was basically just a reiteration.

I did skim through some of the history of Gypsy organizations, just because it was so dad blame boring, and I didn't care who the secretary happened to be that year.

The parts regarding Hitler and World War II were shocking, and it's amazing how mistreated gypsies have been treated not over the last centuries but over the last millennium.

[Todd Price]

Excellent, excellent book. Though by now some of the information is dated, I still think it is worthwhile to read and gives great insight into the plight of the Roma in this part of the world.

Todd L. Price, PhD
Bible Translation Consultant
Roma Bible Union