Beneath the Blue Sky

Romani Gypsy and author of the classic Smoke in the Lanes Dominic Reeve gives a heartwarming and candid account of Romani life on the road from the late 1950s on.

In a lifetime traversing Britain's lanes and byways, Dominic Reeve has witnessed a changing world for the Romani Gypsies. Since the 1950s, the horse-drawn wagons have given way to brightly chromed vehicles, stopping-places have disappeared - but the Travellers still cling to the precious old traditions and the freedom of an outdoor life.

Beneath the Blue Sky tells of horse-fairs and fireside deals, of snowbound Christmases and the joy of taking possession of a new motor. Dominic Reeve recalls feuds and friendships, cycles of parting and meeting, and the struggle in the face of prejudice. Above all, he paints an unforgettable picture of the self-reliance, wit and courage of the Romani people.