I've been a Gipsying
 or, Rambles among our Gipsies and their children in their tents and vans

by George Smith

"I've Been a Gipsying" by George Smith is a travelogue written in the late 19th century. The book documents the author’s experiences and observations among the gipsy communities in England, particularly focusing on their children, culture, and living conditions. Through a series of excursions, he seeks to portray the realities of gipsy life, shedding light on their hardships and the neglect faced by their young ones. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the author's intention of conveying both the struggles and joys of gipsy life. On a rainy Sunday, Smith embarks on a journey to visit gipsy children living in squalor on the outskirts of London. He vividly describes their impoverished living conditions, illustrating their lack of education and basic needs, and expressing a deep concern for their wellbeing. The author's empathetic storytelling aims to evoke a sense of urgency for social change, highlighting the stark contrast between the gipsy children's lives and the privileged existence of other children nearby.