Acknowledgements

IT’S EASY TO THINK THAT WRITING A BOOK IS A LONELY ENDEAVOUR. BUT IT IS, in fact, the result of collective work built on contributions, discussions, criticism, and encouragement from numerous sources. It speaks to the interest (often), enthusiasm (sometimes), and kindness (always) of the friends, colleagues, and specialists who honoured me with their involvement. In acknowledging their contribution, which spans several years in some cases, I am also sketching out the landscape of my professional and private life. In particular, I would like to thank:

Hubert Védrine, for writing the preface of this book after reading, annotating, and raising questions, and sometimes contradictions. Our discussions were of inestimable value.

Jean-Paul Tognet, for his honest and sincere accounts, as well as his willingness to read and reread these pages, giving his feedback over the phone from the Ile de Ré.

Christian Thomas, who, from his Paris office adorned in African masks, impressed on me the importance of rigorous analysis.

Paul de Loisy, who, during hours of rich and fascinating discussion on the terrace of a Paris café, helped enhance the book’s contents.

Axel Robine, who between flights meticulously and generously read my manuscripts.

Camille Lecomte, who shared her analyses with me, even though we didn’t always agree on them!

Didier Julienne, Jack Lifton, and Christopher Ecclestone, who were kind enough to share their considerable expertise, in France, Canada, London, and the United States.

Philippe Degobert, who reviewed the updates on electric motors.

Pierre Simunek, who patiently initiated me in the mysterious ins and outs of Wallisian political life.

Cookie Allez, who helped me mature as a writer.

The Pijac team, and its lifelong chairperson, for their support.

Hélène Crié and Yvan Poisbeau, who provided me with the necessary documents on Rhône-Poulenc.

Randy Henry and the LightHawk team, who gave me access to a light aircraft to fly over the deserts of California and Nevada.

The France-Japan Press Association and Scam, for their financial support of this editorial adventure.

Gérard Tavernier, who set up a number of invaluable meetings.

Félicie Gaudillat, who helped put together a long and comprehensive bibliography.

Stéphanie Berland-Basnier, for her legal advice.

Muriel Steinmeyer, for her loyalty.

Céline Gandner, who initiated the introductions that would set many things in motion.

My sister, Camille Pitron, who supported me in a way only she knows … and many, many more!