Wyatt, Chad Evans with Jana Horvathova — Roma Rising : Romske Obrozeni

Praha / Prague, Argo, 2005. First. Hardcover. Grey/black photographic boards with white lettering. Matching dj. 208 pp. with bw portraits throughout. Mini inscription by the photographer: "It's done..Chad 12.05" Catalogue from the exhibition of 2005 in Prague. A stunning portrait/biographical/cultural study of a cross-section of 100 Roma, now citizens of the Czech Republic. Still facing discrimination and the constant struggle to remain "successful" in larger society, they "lead lives of rich accomplishment, while remaining connected to their culture." The image of the wooden wagon wheel on the cover is very provocative. An amazing study done with bw portraits and interviews by Wyatt, a DC photographer. Jana Horvathova writes an engaging, informative essay on the histories of various Romany in East/Central Europe (Sinti, Roma, Romani, Romany, their "gypsy camps", and the processes and effects of their "settlement" by the respective governments. It is about the Roma rising and showing that "the human spirit, despite prejudice and denial, can rise to its level of ambition and excellence." For anyone interested in East/Central European culture and the history and culture of the Roma, this is a wonderful book that makes the topic personal. NF - As New/NF.