Koudelka Gypsies

The book "Gypsies" is a collection of 109 photographs taken between 1962 and 1971, documenting a vanished world of Gypsies in Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, France, and Spain. The images capture a unique record of a culture that no longer exists, and the accompanying text by Will Guy provides an essay tracing the migration of the Roma from their original homeland in northern India to their current status.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2019
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Gypsies is a captivating photographic journey that captures the essence of a bygone era. Based on the original maquette created by Josef Koudelka and graphic designer Milan Kopriva in 1968, the book was originally intended for publication in Prague in 1970. However, Koudelka's departure from Czechoslovakia in 1970 prevented the book from seeing its original form. Fortunately, this remarkable work is now available in an affordable compact edition, revised and resequenced to enhance its accessibility. Comprising a stunning collection of 109 photographs taken between 1962 and 1971 in various countries such as Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, France, and Spain, Gypsies offers a unique glimpse into a world that has long vanished. These photographs, which were primarily captured during the 1960s, provide a poignant testament to a time when a different way of life prevailed. The Gypsies depicted in these images were living in a state that no longer exists, governed by a regime that ultimately collapsed in 1989.

To further enrich the reader's experience, Will Guy, the author of the text that accompanied the first publication of Gypsies, contributes an entirely new essay. In this essay, Guy traces the migration of the Roma, the ethnic group commonly known as Gypsies, from their original homeland in northern India to their current status. He explores the challenges and complexities faced by the Roma throughout their journey, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and ongoing international controversies.

Gypsies is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of a forgotten world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Gypsies and their journey through time. Through the powerful images and insightful commentary, the book invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity, culture, and migration, and to appreciate the value of preserving the rich heritage of our past.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 199 x 162 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500545041