Acknowledgments

It goes without saying that this volume owes a debt of thanks to my sister, Lizzy Thoresen, who reached out into the world to make New Zealand her home and has long championed its beauty, the sensibilities of its people, and its greater significance in the world. I would also like to acknowledge my nephew, Rafael Arenos, who has always connected with my interests and steadfastly supported my efforts. Thanks are due again to my wife and best friend, Risa, my son, Isaac, and my daughter, Hannah, who each bring their own significant influences to the work that I do and allow me to use them as sounding boards for each new obscure nuance of my research. I would like to thank John Anthony West, who continues to be an avid promoter of my work, even when it may skirt the fringes of his own well-formed outlooks. In particular, I would like to thank the many people who take the time to read my books, attend my presentations, and otherwise introduce themselves into my life.