I’ve been talking about this project for quite some time with friends, family, fans, and even journalists—basically anyone who asked, “Hey, Greg, what’s your next book about?” That’s the thing about books: They’re easy to talk about but much harder to write. Without the constant support and encouragement of my agent and friend, Marc Gerald, this book would still be in the talking phase of development. He found the perfect editor to work with me, Peter Joseph at St. Martin’s Press. I thank Peter for recognizing the potential of my idea for this book, and for making such excellent suggestions on the content, style, and overall vision of the final product. Peter’s superb editorial skills improved the book immeasurably. I also benefited greatly from my friend and cowriter of the first draft, Caroline Greeven. She stitched together the initial chapters and helped guide the tone of the narrative with great craftsmanship.
It’s a special privilege to have colleagues in academia, particularly those who specialize in evolution. I thank all of those in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell, particularly Amy McCune, Nelson Hairston, and Rick Harrison. Rick and I have been teaching evolution together for the last five fall semesters. I’ve learned a lot about teaching from him, and benefited from the process. William Provine is an inspiration and good friend, from whom I continue to learn much. Also at Cornell, I’d like to thank Jon Parmenter of the History Department for suggesting a reading list on important Iroquois works.
Back in California, my academic colleagues are more like pals, since we went through undergraduate training together many years ago but still keep in touch. Thanks to Jay Phelan at UCLA, who wrote the best biology textbook for nonmajors, What Is Life?, Mark Gold of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and Fritz Hertel, biology professor at Cal. State Northridge. Even though we didn’t go to school together, Paul Abramson of the UCLA Department of Psychology, and the science writer Steve Olson, are good friends whom I can always count on for fun and writing advice.
I have the best family anyone could ask for. Allison, Stanley, Ella, Graham, Melikt, Amanuel, Grant and Lisa, and my wonderful in-laws, Frank and Sheila Kleinheinz—Mom, Dad and Julie, my love and appreciation goes out to you all, always and forever. My professional music partners are also some of my best friends. Thanks go to all of them for giving me the elbow room to accomplish this project alongside the various musical endeavors that constantly come our way: Jay Bentley, Brian Baker, Brooks Wackerman, Greg Hetson, Mike Dimkitch, Steven Barlevi, Frank Nuti, Eric Greenspan, Darryl Eaton, Ron Kimball, Cathy Mason, Tess Herrera. Special thanks go to my songwriting partner and pal since high school, Brett Gurewitz, for unflagging support in all things musical and intellectual. I also thank my out-of-the-limelight friends who helped in various ways: Don Ruff, Jeff Walden, John Lucas, and Paul Terry, for building my library and house; Bob and Mindi Fitzsimmons for being local sages of Schuyler County; Megan Shull for leading by example on how to be a prolific writer; Lori Perry for holding down the noise to a low “Sonic” boom while I wrote; Wryebo Martin and David Bragger, for always caring and engaging in fun activities, intellectual conversations, and creativity since we were kids; Mike Hove and Abbie Webb for the great companionship and conversations from neuroscience to environmental engineering (and plenty in between); and Chapter House Hockey for keeping competition constantly in the forefront of my thinking. I also want to thank all those behind the scenes who helped make this project successful: Melanie Fried, Sue Llewellyn, Laura Clark, Joanie Martinez, Christy D’Agostini, and everyone else at St. Martin’s, and Karl Hensel at Kings Road Merch.