The publishers have asked me to provide a prologue, as they feel the reader needs ‘some kind of psychic compass to guide him through the madness’. Having reflected, I think there are in fact four possible ways in, from which you, the reader, are free to choose.
(1) This book should be read as an inspirational ‘self-help’ manual, on the theme of pursuing your dream. In essence my message is: if you want something badly enough, reach out and take it. The universe is benign and speaks the language of the heart. It will never turn you down if your desire is pure.
(2) This book should be read as an epic, semi-mythical quest, in which the hero travels to the underworld, does battle with demons, scales a mountain in pursuit of enlightenment and finally attains the object of his desire in a mysterious tower inhabited by a magus-like figure amid windswept icy wastes.
(3) This book should be read as a profound investigation into the tenebrous depths of the human soul, the power of the imagination, and the stark options faced by those who cannot compromise but are compelled, as if by demons, to obey the demands of their own restless creativity.
(4) This book should be read as all of the above, none of the above, some of the above, or perhaps something else entirely.
I think that’s cleared that up. Except I would like to add one last thing: I know I’ve told the truth. As for the other people whose words are recorded here – well, that’s a different matter.