Gypsy Horses and the Travelers' Way
By John S. Hockensmith
Published by Fine Arts Editions Press
146 E. Main, Georgetown, KY 40324
ISBN: 1599755971
Price: $49.95
Page Count: 184
July 31, 2006
Reviewer: Ann Allyn Slessman
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While this is John Stephen Hockensmith's first book, it won't be his last. This beautiful book is what most would categorize as a "coffee table" book with one exception - Hockensmith's brilliant prose. One has to wonder why this man hasn't published before now. He writes as if he is having an intimate talk with his readers. And he hits the mark if this was his intention. You will find after reading and perusing this book that his poems continue to live within your heart and mind.
John Stephen Hockensmith is well known in the Southeast for his photography skills. He has photographed the Kentucky Derby Official Winners' Print and Collection since the year 2000. He owns an art gallery in Georgetown, KY which exhibits equine sought after by collectors throughout the world.
This book is a treat for the reader's eyes as well as a great source of information on the Romani Gypsies and their beautifully bred Gypsy Horses. The imagery is without comparison and the prose is well written and quite visual in itself. The quality of this work dictates that it will surely outlive Hockensmith.
As the reader journeys through the images and prose of Gypsy Horses and The Travelers' Way they will find it hard not to be lured by the gypsy way of life. Their mysterious cavalier ways seem quite enchanting when compared to nine to fiver's. The test -- can a reader find their way back home after visiting this work? Read it and find out!
Gypsy Horses: Thorough, Guileless, Beautiful, Bountiful, Inspiring
“Needless to say, there are only a handful of great horse photographers in the world. John S. Hockensmith is one of them”. And his newest endeavor, Gypsy Horses and the Travelers’ Way may constitute his signature work to date.
“It is indeed a coffee table book and one which will grace the finest coffee tables in the English-speaking world. Yet it is a story …story of the gypsies migrating to their annual gathering at Appleby Fair in England. It is a story of nomadic people whose traditions and legends are so strong that they group once a year to add the latest chapter to the history and legacy of this stateless band of people called “travelers” throughout Europe”.
“This self-published book is one of those lifetime works often created by major artists. It is without peer and has earned its place in the pantheon of great (and we mean great) equine depictions”.
“With this tome, John S. Hockensmith has cast his role in history in concrete”.
“You’ll fall in love with this book. It’s honesty and forthrightness without constant gushing is refreshing and appreciated. Buy it. Get one for yourself and more for friends (a Great gift). You’ll never regret it. – Thom Mezick
More Reviews:
Great book!,
By L. M. ZAHALKA
(Bloomfield, Ky USA)
Great book I was sad when I finished it.
Beautiful photos ans nice description about
the journey to Appleby fair. This would make
a wonderful
TV special. Beautiful Gypsy Horses. It will
be a pleasure to keep this book in my
collection forever. This is definitely a
coffee table book.
If you love horses you will love this book.
Expensive but well worth the cost.
Simply beautiful.,
By
Kristi (Texas)
This book is absolutely beautiful! The
pictures are incredible and the information
about the Romani people is intriguing. Even
if you are not a horse lover, you will be
awed by the incredible landscapes and beauty
of these horses. Beautifully done.
Brilliant photos,
By Kayo Fraser "Book master"
(Montana)
Amazing collection of photos from a era that
seems so long ago but still here today. Very
well done! Great presentation of the people,
horses and caravans.
A Romaphile's delight,
By Mokadi Jook "Geonni"
(pt richmond, CA, USA)
Gypsy Horses and the Traveler's Way: The
Road to Appleby Fair is a delightful book.
The photographs are superb, and lovers of
these gorgeous colored horses will be
captivated by Mr. Hockensmith's eye for
detail and his ability to capture mood. The
horses are heart-stoppingly beautiful and
Mr. Hockensmith's portrayals of them reflect
his enthusiasm for this lovely breed. The
people Hockensmith travels with are
presented with respect and a refreshing lack
of over-familiarity so often found in the
work of those who write about, but cannot
really know the Romany people.
The titular road is lovingly described, as
is the destination. The burgeoning
popularity of the "Gypsy Vanner" has made
Appley Horse Fair an increasingly popular
tourist destination, and no doubt there is
much to see there. Here again, we see
flowing manes and tails aplenty, but there
is more. The minutia of Appleby is lovingly
portrayed - but not varnished with romantic
stereotyping,
The book is available in two bindings. There
is a slipcased special editon available from
the publisher's website, (Fine Art Editions
Press), and the edition offered by Amazon
which has a beautiful dustjacket and an
attractive cloth binding. Either edition is
well worth the asking price. Step for awhile
into the world of Appleby, the people and
the horses there. You will want to visit
again and again.
Engaging as it is entertaining,
By
Midwest Book Review
(Oregon, WI USA)
A superbly presented photographic narrative,
"Gypsy Horses And The Travelers' Way: The
Road To Appleby Fair" by John S. Hockensmith
visually showcases the "mystery and magic"
of life as a Romani Gypsy in the northland
country of England. Hockensmith has the eye
of an artist as expressed through a camera's
lens with his full color images of gypsies,
gypsy caravans, gypsy life, and a 60-mile,
horse-drawn journey through English villages
and misty moors, to engage in three
centuries of horse trading and communal
renewal traditions at the Appleby Fair.
Informatively enhanced with an accompanying
text that is hallmarked by prose laced with
poetry, "Gypsy Horses And The Travelers'
Way" is as engaging as it is entertaining
and will prove of especial and enduring
interest to students of contemporary gypsy
life in northern Britain..