Acknowledgements

Writing is a lonely task made easier by the encouragement and patience of the following who contributed in no small measure to this book.

Sharon Cohen, who was one of the first to read “The Vatican Cameos,” and who provided invaluable feedback and a much needed shot in the arm.

Bob McCormick, who volunteered to edit the manuscript and whose suggestions made the book that much better.

Deborah Annakin Peters, who saved me from committing an egregious anachronism and helped me format the manuscript.

My brother Edward, who really does own a house in Scotland near the Old Course, and who provided some much needed local knowledge about the Old Course at St. Andrews and customs in Italy.

Finally, to Lauren Esposito, whose offhand remark one evening started this whole process in motion.

To say that I am in their debt doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of my gratitude.