Many sincere thanks to Ron and Veronica Hatch for consistently holding the bar high and making me work harder all the time. It is a much better book than it ever would have been without their careful scrutiny and suggestions. Thanks also to the unmatchable Julia, Peter and Thomas, the jewels of my life. Thanks to dear friends, Chris, Natasha, and Chiara; Diana, Maria, and Sammy; Bob and Jo; Kathleen; Derek (the wise); and buddy Hugh (the inspired). And thanks first and last to my darling mother, Ellen, for putting up with my hissy fits and all.