Acknowledgements

Steve Large and Steve Bolsin generously provided me with heartfelt narratives of their experience of difficult times when they must have felt most vulnerable. My daughter Leila applied her phenomenal literary skills both to the manuscript and to the proposal, without which The Naked Surgeon might have never seen the light. Peter Tallack of the Science Factory is an amazing agent, whose remit extends way beyond mere representation, to include perceptive insight and excellent advice, given with passion and dedication. Philip Gwyn Jones and David Golding did a superb job in editing the final manuscript. To all of them, and to my partner, Fran, for her tireless and unwavering support, thank you.