On the cobbles [antikvár]

Anyone who knows me knows I didn't write this book. Because I don't read or write, so I couldn't have done, could I? Notice I say don't read or write not carít read or write. Many gypsies choose not to learn to read and write, or their parents choose for them. It's a way of keeping the outside world out, I suppose. Somé people take this to mean that we are stupid, but that's normally a big mistake. Think about it for a minute - could you live off your wits, the land and on the streets if you were basically stupid? Of course not. However, this book is my story. My words. The two Martins have put them in the right order for me, encouraged me to remember people, incidents and times. They've put it all together from hour on hour of conversations with me, my family and my friends. Every bit has been read back to me, until I'm happy that's the way it was, the best I can remember it. I hope the book gives respect to all the gypsy warriors and the many other people - travellers and gorgers alike - who have made my life what it was and is. At the same time, I hope that On the Cobbles gives an insight into the sport of bare-knuckle fighting and a glimpse of what being a gypsy in the 2Ist century is all about. Jinvmy August2000