I’d like to express my gratitude to the following people, who spoke to me and provided assistance in various ways: Adam Ant, Adenike Deane-Pratt, Alan Edwards, Annajoy David, Brian Freeborn, Dan Atkinson, Donald Smith, Edwina Currie, Fritz Caitlin, Geoff Barlow, Geoffrey Marsh, Harry Greene, Ian Krankie, John Flaxman, John Jones, Joyce McLennan, Kathryn Willgress, Martyn Hall, Martyn Turner, Michael Burgess, Michael Butterworth, Michelle Coomber, Mike Herbage, Norman Tebbit, P.D. James, Richard Pain, Roger Crimlis, Sarah Bedford, Steve Thomas and York Membrey.
Obviously none of the above should be considered to condone the contents of this book. And my apologies to everyone whose work I’ve quoted in such a cavalier fashion, probably missing all the important points.
I’m grateful for the continuing faith and encouragement shown by Aurum Press. In particular, my editor Graham Coster has been invaluable in his involvement on this project, and I’d also like to mention my appreciation of additional comments from Sam Harrison, supportive words from Bill McCreadie, and the contributions of Graham Eames, Barbara Phelan and Liz Somers. Thanks too to copy-editor Stephen Watson and cover designer Clare Stacey.
And I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking some of those who gave me a break when I needed one: Gordon Turner, Ian Morley, Jamie Wilson, Matt Harvey and Mark Eastment.
This book is dedicated to Thamasin Marsh, who lived through every twist and turn.