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The Zincali or an account of the Gypsies of Spain

The Zincali or an account of the Gypsies of Spain

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The Zincali or an account of the Gypsies of Spain

by George Borrow

  • Used
  • Very Good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Very Good
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Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Vancouver, Washington, United States
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About This Item

THIS IS A SCARCE DATE-STAMPED UK 1907 DOUBLE-EDITION WITH BOTH BOOKS IN ONE VOLUME, NOW 116 YEARS OLD AND WELL-PRESERVED
HERE ARE A FEW OF THE SUBJECTS 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, SUPERSTITION, AND SO MUCH MORE
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE 1910S, 1920S, OR 193OS REDO IT IS AN ORIGINAL 1907
PRINTED AND BOUND IN LONDON BY HAZELL WATSON AND VINEY EST. 1843
THIS IS THE FULL UNABRIDGED EDITION THAT COMPRISES 433 PAGES

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 over half a decade before the First World War of 1914, this book has been very well-kept. Unlike many other printings of the 20th and 19th centuries that lacked the artwork, this lovely volume still retains them. Most of these early 1900s editions have either been read to pieces or have turned to dust. This is the only 1907 I can find with these lovely blue covers. 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 ago, and 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."

The overall condition of this book is very good despite being printed over a century ago... It displays some of the typical attributes of a 1907 edition. This includes shelf wear and age to the covers and spine, most notably the head of the spine, although it displays beautifully. The interior pages are naturally age-toned and will contain the occasional age spot or foxing, but truth be told, they are exceptional for this paper era. It is well-bound, complete, and very lovely.

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 fluently and was even considered 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.

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 vividly describes 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 essential 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

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Details

Bookseller
Higgins Rare Books US (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #
1751212398
Title
The Zincali or an account of the Gypsies of Spain
Author
George Borrow
Book Condition
Used - Very Good
Quantity Available
1
Binding
Hardcover
Publisher
John Murray
Place of Publication
London
Date Published
1907
Weight
0.00 lbs
Keywords
Occult, Gypsy, Gypsies, Spain, Esoteric, Book, Metaphysical, Astrology, The Tarot, The Zodiac, Magic, Atlantis, Mu, Metaphysical, Book, Antique, Vintage, Divination, Magick, The Zodiac, Horoscope, Gift, Book, Numerology, FORTUNE TELLERS, OCCULT POWERS, GY

Terms of Sale

Higgins Rare Books

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.

About the Seller

Higgins Rare Books

Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Biblio member since 2024
Vancouver, Washington

About Higgins Rare Books

I have been collecting rare books for years. I only sell things I love.

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