The History of Mischief took twelve years, on and off, to write. I could fill another volume with the people who have helped me along this journey. Here, I thank those who have made the biggest impact.
This book is a testament to my love of libraries and books. I am grateful for local public libraries, particularly South Perth Library and Guildford Library, and the vital service of inter-library loan. I have also been lucky to be a part of the magic of school libraries. Thank you to the students, staff and parents of Guildford Primary School, who embraced me and my antics as their Library Officer. It was an immense and joyful privilege.
Thank you to Annie Fogarty and the Fogarty Foundation for funding the Fogarty Literary Award. It is wonderful that you have invested in such a fantastic prize for young WA writers. It was a dream come true to win the inaugural award.
Thank you to the amazing team at Fremantle Press, who have championed the book from day one. I would particularly like to thank my publisher Cate Sutherland. You made me excited about what the book could be. You made this book so much better.
I would like to acknowledge Deb Hunn and Ron Blaber, who supervised my PhD on satire and oversaw the Diogenes research that found its way into the book. I am also grateful for the early advice of Julienne van Loon who assessed the first chapter of the book as part of a manuscript assessment at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre in 2012.
Countless books were read in the process of researching every history. Thank you to all the authors, historians and academics whose works inspired me.
A very special thank you must go to my friends. To the Tugboats – Eva Bujalka, Erin Pearce, Mel Pearce and Elizabeth Tan – thank you for keeping me on track, for always supporting me, and for your invaluable advice on my manuscript. To Kelly Hill, thank you for reading my book and encouraging me to embrace the magical element of the story long ago.
Thank you to my family, especially my mum Linda who has read everything I have ever written, from my PhD to the fairy book I wrote when I was five. Back then, Mum, you never told me that I misspelt the word ‘fairy’ on every page. You just said it was wonderful. It made me want to write again.
My biggest thanks goes to my husband Yirga. This book would not be possible without your endless encouragement. Marye, thank you for believing in me and for reminding me that the story I needed to tell was more important than what I thought people wanted to hear. Every moment of love and joy in this book stems from you.
Lastly, to my son Tewodros, who swam in my belly as I finished the book. I cannot tell you how much I love you, Teddy. I hope you will be proud.
Rebecca Higgie, 2020