The Zincali: An Account of the Gypsies of Spain

A GENUINE DATE-STAMPED 1901 UK EDITION THAT IS NOW 122 YEARS OLD AND IN VERY BEAUTIFUL CONDITION
PRINTED AND BOUND IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, BY T.A. CONSTABLE PRINTERS EST. 1812, PRINTERS TO HER MAJESTY
THIS EDITION INCLUDES A VERY HARD-TO-FIND COLLECTION OF ARTWORK AND RETAINS ALL THE ORIGINAL PLATES
A LARGE-SIZED EDITION THAT IS COMPRISED OF 433 PAGES PLUS EXTRAS
DISCUSSED: FORTUNE TELLERS, OCCULT POWERS, GYPSY CLANS, DIVINATION, REINCARNATION, SORCERERS, TAROT READERS, PALM READERS, THE SOUL, ANCIENT EGYPT, THE GYPSY LANGUAGE, THE EVIL EYE, SUPERSTITIONS, GYPSIES FROM ENGLAND, SPAIN, ROME, THE EVIL EYE, CANNIBALS, GYSPY WOMEN, THE EXECUTIONS, BUDDHISM, & SO MUCH MORE
PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH IT WAS REPRINTED IN 1907, 1914, 192O, 1924, AND 1935 "SOME WITH THE SAME COVER" THIS IS THE 1901

If you are interested in the Gypsies and their lore, magic, and history, this is the definitive book. It Includes the tales and magic of the gypsies, their language, history, and their uses of occult divination. This is a beautiful book and historically significant for future generations. Although printed and bound 122 years ago, It has been remarkably well-preserved. They don't make books like these anymore, and they never will. I would snag this one before it's gone...

"George Henry Borrow was a 19th-century writer who wrote novels and travelogues based on his travels around Europe. Through his travels, Borrow developed a close relationship with the Romani people, which plays a prominent role in his book The Bible in Spain and Lavengro. The Zincali - An Account of the Gypsies of Spain was written over five years while the author traveled around Spain. Borrow says of the Gypsies, "The Gypsies, who are certainly a very mysterious people, le come from some distant land, no mortal knows why, and who made their first appearance in Europe at a dark period when events were not so accurately recorded as at present."

In this work, George Borrow writes about the living and culture of the Romani people, especially in Spain. At the end of the book, a dictionary of the Romani language can be found. Many anecdotes of Borrow's encounter with these people are to be found in this book, which shows that he spoke the Romani language fluently and was even considered as one of them. In contrast to most modern works about the Romani people, the dark side of the Romani culture is discussed. George Borrow respected them highly and mentioned the long history of their persecution in Europe and elsewhere.

The overall condition of this book is very good for being printed at the turn of the century. It does display some of the typical aging attributes associated with a book that is well over a century in the making. This includes some age and shelf wear to the covers. The interior pages are naturally age-toned and contain the occasional age spot, little mark, and general signs of reading use.

George Borrow, an English author and adventurer, is widely known for his works on Romani (Gypsy) culture and travel literature. In his book An Account of the Gypsies of Spain," Borrow delves into the mysterious and captivating world of the Spanish Gypsies, providing an in-depth exploration of their history, customs, language, and way of life.

Background:
George Borrow was born in 1803 and was keenly interested in languages and cultural exploration from a young age. His wanderlust and fascination with the Romani people led him to travel extensively throughout Europe, particularly Spain. His encounters with the Spanish Gypsies left an indelible mark on his life and inspired him to document their unique traditions.

"An Account of the Gypsies of Spain":
Borrow offers a comprehensive account of his experiences living among the Gypsies of Spain. He provides vivid descriptions of their camps, nomadic lifestyle, and interactions with the wider Spanish society. Borrow's narrative captures the essence of the Gypsy community, presenting them not as mere wanderers but as a distinct cultural group with their language, customs, and traditions.

Language and Culture:
Borrow's fascination with languages is evident throughout the book. He delves into the Romani language, sharing vocabulary, phrases, and grammatical insights, providing readers with a glimpse into the linguistic richness of the Gypsy culture. He also explores the social structure, laws, and folklore of the Spanish Gypsies, shedding light on their rituals, superstitions, and belief systems.

Romanticizing the Gypsies:
While Borrow's portrayal of the Spanish Gypsies is often sympathetic, it is important to note that his work reflects the prevailing romanticized and exoticized perceptions of the 19th century. He portrays the Gypsies as mysterious and enigmatic figures, perpetuating stereotypes that were prevalent at the time. Borrow's romanticized lens should be considered within the historical context in which he wrote.

Legacy and Influence:
George Borrow's works on the Romani people have impacted the understanding and appreciation of Gypsy culture. His writings were among the first attempts to dispel stereotypes and shed light on the rich heritage and contributions of the Romani people. Although his approach may be considered outdated and biased by modern standards, his observations and