The heroic present

This nuanced portrait details the rhythms of life among the Romani; the exceptional occurrences of birth, marriage, and death; and the highly codified system of conduct of the Gypsies. Roadside caravans, evening meals, multifamily feasts, village fairs, convocations of the Kris (the Romani tribunal of justice), and wedding celebrations: all are powerfully evoked in both word and image. -- Dustjacket.