Introduction

by Alan Riggs

A few words about the words that follow:

Whenever possible the letters in this volume have been preserved in their original form. The words have been altered only when necessary to preserve the privacy and peace of mind of the families involved. Where Piers felt that additional comments would help clarify the letters, he has added brief notes at the end of chapters.

A few words about the story that follows:

Do not be deceived. This is not just a collection of correspondence, of interest only to literati and biographers. Taken by itself, each letter is a brief glimpse into the thoughts of one man, a snapshot of the lives of two people, a few frames featuring the bit players in some vast motion picture. Taken as a whole, they become scenes in a touching and compelling story, a story which speaks softly and strongly to those well-guarded parts within us that still reach out in hope.

When I first reviewed these letters for Piers I was struck by the power and sensitivity of that story. More than once, I cried as the narrative unfolded. Months later, as I read through the letters again in preparing this volume, I was again surprised by the essential unity of this account. You see, I had begun with some idea that it was necessary to decide which story these letters should tell: “The Famous Author and the Adoring Fan”; “The Young Girl Struck Down Tragically and Fighting to Recover”; “The Old Man Trying to Help the Youth in Trouble”? But that decision was not mine to make. As with all the best stories, this one defined itself. The beginning is unadorned. The ending hasn’t happened yet. And the story is the story of Piers and Jenny.

Consider yourself introduced.