Princes Amongst Men: Journeys With Gypsy Musicians

By Garth Cartwright

Weaving historical fact, mythic tales and contemporary voices, Princes Amongst Men recounts a Balkan odyssey in search of the secret history and culture of Europe's greatest musicians - the Roma Gypsies. On his wild and affectionate journey, Garth Cartwright wanders through the ruins of post-Communist Serbia and observes Roma refugees from the Kosovo conflict. He attends a Gypsy wedding in Macedonia, conveys the tragedy of Romania in the aftermath of Ceaucescu, scours Skopje for opium, charts the Euro-Asian beauties so prominent in Bulgaria, almost marries a Gypsy princess in Kocani and witnesses the fiery celebrations that mark Ederlezi, the Night of the Gypsies, in an impoverished Bulgarian Gypsy ghetto. Cartwright's engagement with Gypsy communities bypasses clich? and overturns prejudice to return with the true story of the Gypsies? Balkan blues.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1852428775
• ISBN13: 9781852428778
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Serpent's Tail
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.4" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

an open door into another world

This is a gut level adventure into Balkan life and music, not by a tourist! I found it a little difficult at first to find it's rythm, but once I did it took off like the rythms that this book is about. To American ears this music could seem odd, but having been exposed to it in my youth I find it invigorating! 7/8, 9/8, 11/8 timing you won't hear on AM radio. Mr. Cartwright has tapped into it and it flows well in his book. Several of the musicians are on YouTube and listening and watching them really made the book pop and come alive. It is funky, real, and might open a door for you into something completely different! Just what I needed!

Introduces readers to the world of the Gypsy mahalas and their musical talents

In search of the Gypsies, master nomadic musicians of Europe, author Cartwright makes a journey through the Balkans and navigates areas not common covered in the usual travelogue: the result introduces readers to the world of the Gypsy mahalas and their musical talents. From Macedonian music's relevance to the modern world to different vocalist styles and the universal Roma hatred of the misleading Gypsy Magic, Princes Amongst Men: Journeys With Gypsy Musicians is steeped in history, culture, and the foundations of Roma musical heritage.

A Superb Journey

Combining the experiences of travelling close to the ground in interesting places with the richness that is Roma music... what could be better! The author's colorful, down-to-earth writing style makes for a joyful read. His passionate but critical perspectives on the music make it that much for worthwhile. I only wish there was a companion CD!