Written by a Romani (gypsy), this introduction to Roma life, health, food, culture, and society provides an insightful look at this despised by mysterious minority originating in India. Extensively illustrated, it looks at the people, their history since leaving India 1,000 years ago, and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled. It offers candid advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know the Roma as individuals, with short biographies of Roma in many different walks of life.Ian Hancock received his Ph.D. from London University and teaches Romani studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where he is the director of the Romani Archives and Documentation Center. He was born in Britain but descends on his father's side from the Benczi Imre family, which left Hungary in the second half of the 19th century. In 1998 President Clinton appointed him to represent Romanies on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. he is the author of over 300 books and articles, mostly on the Roma.