I would like to thank Carl Klaus, Patricia Foster, Kerry Howley, and Jan Weissmiller for their invaluable insights while reading early drafts of this book. It’s hard to imagine moving forward without their keen suggestions. Splendid writers and good friends. Ann Hood, the editor of this imprint, played a crucial role in bringing this manuscript to print, as did the staff of Akashic Books, who are remarkably perceptive readers. Ann is a compelling writer with terrific instincts, and I can’t thank her enough for her guidance during the final stages of this book. Special thanks to Marcy Rosenbaum for her archival help and to Claire’s medieval colleagues (Kathy Ashley, Jody Enders, Carol Symes, Theresa Coletti, Kathy Lavazzo, and Jon Wilcox) for their encouragement and insights into her scholarship. Thanks also to Rina Yoon for her support, and to my colleagues in English for their good cheer and inspiration. I would also like to thank Johnny Temple and Johanna Ingalls specifically, the publisher and managing editor of Akashic Books. Lastly, belated thanks to Poppa Clair, Jean, Beth, and Lauren for taking care of Milo while Claire and I dillydallied our summers away.