A book is much like a ship in that it requires more than the person at the helm if it is to reach its destination. Others are needed to row and help with the sails if the book is to carry its cargo of information successfully to its destination, the reader. So many people have contributed to A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery & Magic in one way or another that I do not even know how to begin to thank everyone.
Christopher Penczak has consistently supported my writing, and neither this book nor the preceding one would have come about were it not for his encouragement. I have to thank my acquisition editor, Elysia Gallo, who has helped give the book a more polished tone. Kevin R. Brown has once again created a striking and beautiful book cover. Bryan Chick’s suggestions have shaped the style of the book; he reminded me that A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery & Magic will be, for most readers, a textbook on magic rather than an abstract study of the subject. Taren Martin kept me focused on the rune chapters. I want to thank Barbara Criswell, of Aquarius Books in Kansas City, whose support and belief in my work helps me keep believing in myself. Of course I need to thank those who contributed so generously to the content of this book, including but not limited to Jesse Garrison, Tina-Lisa Agresta, West Hardin, Deana Isendun, and Maria Stoy. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of ADF druid friends, such as the Reverend Kirk Thomas, Diane “Emerald” Bronowicz, Robb Lewis, and others. Judy DeRousse corrected endless grammatical errors for me and helped polish the manuscript with a smoother writing style. Perhaps more than anyone else, though, I need to thank Scott, who not only inspires me, but who also put up with my long absences and distraction as I crafted this book.
Finally, I want to thank Benjamin Brown, who left our Middle Earth twenty years ago. Although he is gone, he is never forgotten, for he helped shape and guide me in ways that I did not fully appreciate then, but so deeply appreciate now. It is to him, a great sorcerer, that A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery & Magic is dedicated.