Auteur: Hubert Smith

Hubert Smith, an enigmatic figure of the latter half of the 19th century, is celebrated for his pioneering anthropological work as much as for his travel writing. His most recognized contribution to literature is “Tent Life with English Gipsies in Norway, ” a rich account of Smith”s time living among the Romani people during his travels in Norway. Published in 1873, the book is not merely a travelogue but an insightful ethnographic study documenting the culture, language, and nomadic lifestyle of the Romani community. This work evidentially stands out for its sympathetic and detailed portrayal of a group often shrouded in mystery and subject to prejudice during the Victorian era. Smith”s literary style is marked by a meticulous attention to detail and a narrative voice that combines the observational rigor of an anthropologist with the accessibility and vivid descriptions of a seasoned travel writer. His exploration into the Romani culture precedes the later, more extensive anthropological studies and aligns him with the ethos of cultural relativism that would emerge more prominently in the early 20th century. Despite the scarcity of biographical information, “Tent Life with English Gipsies in Norway” endures as a significant reference for those studying nomadic cultures and the history of travel literature.