An interesting book giving some insight into the history of Gypsies, and where the name originated from (which is something I wasn't actually aware of). It's interesting to also learn how long they have been around - hundreds and hundreds of years - and to also learn that they once spoke a completely different language to everyone else. The majority of gypsies I have come into contact with have either had the regional accent of the area that they live in, or a strong Irish accent, like those that lived on Dale Farm.
I have had little contact with gypsies, as it is true (and even mentioned in this book) that people remain fearful of them. Gypsies actually live reasonably close to a friend's house (and we often see them out with their horses), but I keep myself very clear of them. I had a bad experience of having smashed pieces of tiles thrown at me over a fence of my child minder's garden as a child - something that has stuck with me, and given me a lifelong fear of gypsies.
Gypsies of the earlier centuries actually sound like they had more use than those of today. It seems that they actually tried to trade in businesses that were a great deal more helpful to the community than the dealings that go on in the 21st century. Nowadays, Gypsies are very well known for selling stolen goods, and dealing in things that they shouldn't.
