The first half of this book was written during my time as the George Bennett Fellow at Phillips Exeter Academy, and I’d like to thank the English Department in general, and Peter Greer in particular, for many kindnesses. I’d also like to thank the National Endowment for the Arts, the Corporation of Yaddo, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the University Research Council at Vanderbilt University for their generous support.
My thanks, again, to the critics: Sylvia J. Ansay, Kim Dionis, Stewart O’Nan, and to my agent, Deborah Schneider. Thanks to Claire Wachtel and the people at William Morrow for believing in this book. And special thanks to Jake Smith for technical support.
Chapter Ten is dedicated to Janet Schrunk Ericksen and David Ericksen, with gratitude for warmth and light during a long dark year.
Finally, I thank Kelly Allen and Leah Stewart for their fresh, fast eyes. I owe you.