Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves

I have been fascinated by Gypsy culture since reading Jack Olsen's "Hastened to the Grave." I was, therefore, very eager to read Isabel Fonseca's book, "Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and Their Journey."

I am halfway through the book now and I still have no real understanding of the racism against Gypsies. Are they liars? It seems, yes. Are they con artists? Some of them. Do they, then, deserve the calumny heaped upon them? Olsen has painted a shameful portrait of them -- is it a true one?

I would appreciate any recommendations about published works about Gypsies in the United States and England. I've read "King of the Gypsies." Thanks.