As always, I am indebted to scores of friends and colleagues who inspired, informed, assisted, and supported me throughout the research and writing of this book, albeit sometimes unknowingly. Thank you, all of you.
But some must be mentioned by name. I am grateful to my friend Richard Shephard for inviting me into the places and spaces in York Minster and the close that I’d not yet seen, setting up a yearning that drew me back to a York setting; to Chris Given-Wilson, Louise Hampson, Jennifer Kolpakoff Dean, and Doug Biggs for research that’s all spun together to form this story, and for their generosity in answering my questions; to my nephew Nathaniel Weberding, DO, for inspiring medical discussions; to my agent/advocate Jennifer Weltz for her enthusiasm and support for the project from the beginning, her inspired feedback all along the way, and for finding a wonderful home for the series; to my dear friends Joyce Gibb and Mary Morse for their thoughtful readings and suggestions; to my editor Maia Larson for her perceptive and engaged editing; and all the team at Pegasus Books for their creative and talented support.
And last, but never least, I am so grateful to my beloved Charlie—mapmaker, research companion, sounding board, advocate, and all-round best friend and soul mate.