I am profoundly grateful to Mitch Horowitz, executive editor at Tarcher/Penguin, who had a deep understanding of the meaning and spirit of the book from the beginning, and who brought his editorial brilliance to the project with irrepressible enthusiasm. A man of innumerable gifts and talents, Mitch generously guided me along the path with wisdom and an unparalleled respect for the author as an individual.
A very special thank-you to Gabrielle Moss, assistant editor, for her graceful intelligence, her invaluable assistance, and unwavering dedication to producing a worthy book.
Deep gratitude to Paul Lapolla, my agent, mentor, and friend, who guided the process and shaping of the book. Paul served up menus of insightful suggestions and incomparable professional expertise with exquisite tact and kindness and a divine sense of humor.
I am very grateful as well to copy editor Grace McVeigh for her superb, thoughtful work.