In writing this book, I worked in and drew material from the Yale University libraries, the Tulane University Library, the Public Record Office, the British Ministry of Defence Library, and the British Library Newspaper Library. I am grateful to the staffs of these libraries for their efficiency and courtesy.
For their help during the early stages of the book, I am indebted to Robert Gottlieb and Katherine Hourigan. At Random House, I have been fortunate in having available the wise experience and stimulating encouragement of a great editor, Robert Loomis, Harry Evans, Joni Evans, and Carsten Fries also have made my path easier.
From the moment I first described this book to David Godwin of Jonathan Cape, he has reacted with heartwarming enthusiasm. I appreciate also the assistance of his colleagues, Georgina Capel and Jill Black.
In today’s world, as giant corporations swallow publishing houses and accountants replace editors in making publishing decisions, authors need skillful, dedicated literary agents. I have Deborah Karl, Andrew Wylie, Gillon Aitken, and Sally Riley, all of whom care deeply about writers and writing. I also have been aided by the timely efforts of Bridget Love and Anna Benn.
Janet Byrne and Judith Karl made up for my inability to master word processing by typing the manuscript. Carmel Wilson provided new photographs at short notice. The Hulton Picture Company in London offered me thousands of tempting picture choices and efficiently provided the ones I selected.
Through the years this book has been in progress, many friends have helped by word of deed. I thank especially Lorna Massie, the late Natalie May, Mary Keeley, Caecelia Davis, Robert and Ina Caro, Thomas Pynchon and Melanie Jackson, Caroline Michel and Matthew Evaqns, Ken Burrows, Gilbert Merritt, Herbert and May Shayne, David Kahn, and Robert Fagles.
My children, Elizabeth Massie, Bob Massie, and Susanna Thomas, have given me support and love; no less has come from Dana Robert and Jim Thomas.
Deborah Karl, daughter of a literary family, has read every line of this book and suggested changes which invariably turned out to be improvements. For her intelligence, her perception, and her devotion, I will always be grateful.