Acknowledgments

The subjects I examine in this book, along with the logic that holds them together, have fascinated me for a number of years. During that period my interlocutors, I fear, may have found the attention I devoted to them excessive. I wish to thank them for their patience, which allowed me to discuss details whose path was not always apparent. In particular, I thank my students for the stimulation they provided by expressing their perplexity and their doubt, and for proposing materials and suggestions to consider. With them I repeatedly tested the solidity (as well as the didactic benefits) of the arguments.

Francesca Pucci was of great help to me in unearthing the origins of proverbs, a subject on which she is currently working. I had many useful exchanges of ideas, too, with Yann Grappe and Nicola Perullo.

Especially affectionate thanks to Marina and Viola, who closely followed the itinerary of my research, helping me back on the road at some critical wrong turns.