The first French edition of Les Ursitory was published just after the Second World War. During the war Matéo suffered the horrors of the concentration camps, like many others in his village. This is why many years passed until the publication of this book, written at the end of the 1930s.
Matéo was part of the gypsy community, always on the move, at a time where not many knew how to read or write. And he knew this. As a narrator he had a great talent and he dared to write. This first novel was rapidly followed by another two: Le Prix de la liberté and Savina. In November of 1961 Matéo had a spiritual experience which changed his life. This can be found in his later works. Matéo continued to be a communicator of the gypsy culture, and he toured thirty-three countries sharing the testimony of his encounter with God. Other works that will be translated soon: Le Prix de la liberté (1955) Savina (1957) La septième fille (1982) Condamné à survivre (1984) La poupée de Mameliga (1986) Vinguerka (1987) Dites-les avec des pleurs (1990) Ce monde qui n´est pas le mien (1992) Routes sans roulottes (1993)
