Book excerpt: "The book is devoted to the history of Roma-Gypsies on the territory of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 15th-18th centuries. The argument is based on a thorough analysis of a number of original and previously unpublished documents that are included in the second part of the book. It verifies some clichéd views concerning the social status of Romani people in Eastern Europe, especially concerning their relationships with the state authorities. Through a careful interpretation and reinterpretation of documents pertaining to the Roma history, this work contributes towards re-evaluation of self-definition of Romani people in contemporary Europe. It also aims at providing material for Romani educational resources"--Provided by publisher.