First off, immense and heartfelt thanks to my editor at Abrams, David Cashion, whose unflagging enthusiasm for this book was instrumental in bringing it into being; throughout the occasional hiccups in the process, his kind support and steady guidance proved vital. And additional thanks to the entire team at Abrams, including executive editor Eric Klopfer, who worked heroically to help get this book to the finish line, along with managing editor Connor Leonard. Thank you, as well, to copyeditors Chris Cerasi and Drew Wheeler.
A huge thank you to designer Jacob Covey. There is such a special thrill to turning over a manuscript and seeing it transformed into a book—especially one that looks this amazing. I’m so grateful to have worked with you.
Big thanks to my smart and capable agent, Eddie Schneider, and the rest of the team at JABberwocky.
In addition to writing the foreword, Jeff VanderMeer has been an essential part of this project from the beginning—laying initial groundwork, providing foundational brainstorming, offering inspiration and ideas, and connecting me to several experts and rights holders. Thank you for everything, Jeff.
Of course, a project like this is built from the contributions of many. I’d particularly like to thank Diana Lehr and the Lehr estate for granting permission for us to use the gorgeous Paul Lehr painting that serves as this volume’s cover art; Leslie Barany and Christopher Leich as representatives of the HR Giger and Hugh Ferriss estates, respectively; and Paula Guran and Thomas Pluck for providing high-res scanned images from their own collections.
I’d also like to especially acknowledge the contributions of Ashanti Fortson, Jordan Grim-mer, Olivia Rose, and Jeremy Zerfoss, who created original illustrations for the book; it was a pleasure to collaborate with you. Thanks is also due to the interviewees who generously granted me their time and attention: Karen Joy Fowler, Thomas Olde Huevelt, Hugh Howey, John Shirley, and Ann VanderMeer. Finally, incredible thanks to every author who contributed an essay, including those whose efforts, due to tragic constraints of time and space, did not make it into the final book; I loved reading all of your writings, and I learned so much.
My deep appreciation also goes to administrative and research assistant Parker Bobbitt, who helped me conquer several deadlines.
Finally, all my thanks and love to my family, particularly my sisters Danelle and Daebrionne Boskovich, always patient listeners and encouragers; and my husband, Morgan Frew, a.k.a. my artistic consultant, main support, and sounding board for every scheme, who has always accepted deadline stress and working weekends as our way of life. And, of course, Emmett and Olive, my writing partners and very good dogs.