My partner, Seán, has been tirelessly reading and editing this book for years. I can only say thank you – I know it is a better book for your irritating questions, tenacious criticisms, praise, suggestions and scrupulous readership, and for the courage and confidence you give me to go on and on, even during the times when I hate every word.
Thank you, Neil Belton, my publisher and editor, for your patience, encouragement and faith, for taking all my hesitations seriously and indulging my cold-feet moments. Christian Duck, Eleanor Rees, Florence Hare, Jessie Price – thank you for bearing with me and going above-and-beyond in last minute work and rework for this book!
Thank you, Lucy Luck, my agent, for the attention you have given this – not only for your advice, but for your uncompromising insistence on putting the book first and demanding that its needs are met.