Many Rumanians gave me valuable advice during the writing of this book, especially certain Cluj academics and those friends who came to stay with me in Ireland while work was in progress. (For obvious reasons, all personal names have been changed.)
In Budapest Rudi Fischer read the first draft and made many essential corrections and constructive suggestions.
In Cimpulung Moldovenesc my doctor and his wife and daughter, and the staff of the local hospital, made a nasty experience much less so and did their best, against grotesque odds, to succour the maimed foreigner.
From Skopje my daughter Rachel uncomplainingly undertook three wearisome journeys to assist her accident-prone mother.
In Hampstead the long-suffering (twenty-eight years long) Diana and Jock Murray attended what proved to be a rather difficult birth with their usual patience and skill.
To all, my thanks.