A book of this sort is never a solo effort. I wish to express my deepest thanks to all those who gave willingly of their time and energy to this project.
As a scribbler without an agent is a lost soul these days, I certainly appreciate one of the best, Sandra Dijkstra, along with Katherine Goodwin and everyone else at the Dijkstra Literary Agency. Their support was invaluable.
At Norton, Rose Kernochan, Dan Conaway, and Amy Cherry provided the best of editorial support. A special thanks to Dan, who saw the project to completion. Not only has he become a good friend, but over the years he has been a fount of encouragement and sage advice. Thanks also to my editorial assistant Ellen Umansky, who provided timely assistance. Another debt of gratitude to W. H. Ferry for his generous financial aid.
Walter LaFeber and Howard Zinn were kind enough to read portions of the manuscript and offer their suggestions and corrections. Curt Gentry kindly furnished a much-needed list of connections. Attorney Jerome Garchik provided access to Kay Boyle’s FBI file. Joan Cohen of Legwork spent long hours contacting the Hollywood veterans. Bill Bailey, Joe Passen, Joseph Rauh, Joe Sachs, Morton Newman, and others too numerous to list were more than helpful in providing the names of interviewees. The interviews, of course, required able transcribers; Helen Harvey of Word-Works and Elaine Blanchard carried most of the load, with Inga Khoury and Avivah Ernst supporting.
The support of my parents and immediate family was of immeasurable help, and I am indebted to them for it. Among the many friends who listened with great forbearance and encouragement to my endless tales of the Red Scare, I express particular gratitude to David and Sheila Mac-Donald, Simone and Mary Jane Di Piero, Jim Steck and Sandy Dutro, Daniel Woodrell and Kathrine Estill, Kathleen McNulty, Damian Sharp, Ira Sandperl, and Steve Cohen. Nancy Clark’s affection and friendship is a cherished support. Janet Reed, another marvelous companion, was there at the inception, and her enthusiasm for the project kindled my own.
Nearly 150 interviews were taped over the life of this this project, less than half of which are included. With few exceptions, I left each encounter certain I held another vital piece of the mosaic. But somehow cuts had to be made.
So for all those who so generously shared their lives, I offer my gratitude. The time spent with you was an honor and an education.