"Originating in India, the Gypsies arrived in Europe around the 14th century, spreading not only across the entire continent but also eventually to the Americas. The first Gypsy migration included farmworkers, blacksmiths, and mercenary soldiers as well as musicians, fortune-tellers, and entertainers. At first, Romanies were generally welcome as an interesting diversion to the dull routine through the 15th century. Soon, however, they attracted the antagonism of the governing powers, as they have continually throughout the centuries." "This second edition of Historical Dictionary of the Gypsies (Romanies) seeks to end such prejudice by clarifying the facts about these nomadic people. Through a list of acronyms and abbreviations, a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant people, places, events, institutions, culture, society, economy, and politics, the history of the Gypsies is told."--Jacket.