If this translation has succeeded at all, a very great debt is owed to Ruth Hein, a master stylist, who assisted me every step—better, every line—of the way with her tact and precision. We have discussed each sentence of this work: the outcome is the result of our conversation. This translation is dedicated to Ruth Hein. And as no such work is possible without real-world support, I would like to thank particularly Gary Smith and the staff of the American Academy in Berlin for their perfect generosity.