A Historical Survey on the Customs, Habits and Present State of the Gypsies Designed to Develope the Origin of this Singular People and to Promote the Amelioration of their Condition

John Hoyland

Published by Printed for the Author, York, 1816

About this Item

A first edition copy of the first English survey of Romani people by the English Quaker and author John Hoyland; often cited as the standard nineteenth century work on the subject. Examining gypsy lore and beliefs, the history of gypsy society, and a survey on nineteenth century "Gypsies". Printed for the author, and sold by W M Alexander; Darton Harvey and Co; W. Phillis; W. Darton, Jun A sympathetic observer of the plight of the Romani people living in Northampton, Bedford and Herts, John Hyland began studying the history and culture of the Romani of the East Midland counties in 1814. As a result of extensive survey work, in which sent questionnaires to local authorities, Hoyland produced this work in order to draw attention to his perception that the Romani needed religious conversion, a better standard of living, and forced education. This work was largely based on Matthew Raper's translation of Heinrich Moritz Gottlieb Grellmann's 'Zigeuner'. This German text was the first work of 'Tsiganologie'; a work that deals with the history, culture and origin of the "Gypsy" as a designated socio-cultural and ethnic group. The name, research direction and premises of Tsiganology are controversial and are now criticized and often rejected by racism research. With publisher's advertisements to the rear of the work. Rebacked, in a quarter cloth binding with the original boards preserved. Externally generally smart with slight loss and wear to extremities of original boards. The odd mark to boards. Internally firmly bound. Pages age toned but bright and clean, with the odd spot to the occasional page. Very Good Indeed. Seller Inventory # 653M13

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Historical Survey on the Customs, Habits ...

Publisher: Printed for the Author, York

Publication Date: 1816

Binding: Hardback

Illustrator: None

Condition: Very Good Indeed

Edition: First edition.

Book Type: book