In Memory

For Richard S. Prather (1921-2007), and dedicated to Richard’s first cousin, Mildred Comstock, and to her daughter, Patricia Willis. I’m sure all three are joyously dancing and partying together in heaven.

-Linda Pendleton

 

 

 

 

Editorial Note:

 

This book was Richard S. Prather’s last book. He asked me to take charge of the manuscript after his death and see if it was worthy of publication. I believe it will be considered his “masterpiece,” in the clever way he used his character, Shell Scott, to bring forth his own beliefs and deep passion about a subject he held dear to his heart for many, many years. He and his wife, Tina, might have been considered by some to be homeopathic and alternative medicine nuts, but if they were, they were well-educated and informed nuts about all avenues of alternative medicine and the risks of allopathic medicine. Richard devoted his life to research of alternative medicine, and the years he spent writing this novel were well-worth it, as it is not only entertaining, but informative, and may leave the reader pondering and questioning medical care, much to Richard’s delight.

I also thank my dear friend, the late Anne Boss for her hard work and dedication in typing the manuscript from Richard’s original thousand pages of manuscript—each handwritten page full of his notes and blue felt pen edits. Anne loved the story as much as I, and more than once I caught her crying over story events, especially when it came to the inhumane treatment of animals. Anne also came to understood how writers become very attached to their characters and how we go through “post-partum depression” when the story has ended.

This has been a joy to work with Richard’s final book and his classic Shell Scott character. I hope you enjoy the adventure.

-Linda Pendleton