ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The writing of any book can be a complicated and challenging process; at best, it also offers scope for expression and a useful outlet for energies and ideas that might otherwise rumble endlessly around in one’s head. This book, born in and written under less than ideal circumstances, has ultimately provided the kind of experience for which every author hopes: new friendships, generous fellow researchers, intellectual exercise, and ultimately the transformation of concept into reality.
This book was really the brainchild of two people who believed in the idea and who helped to push it to fruition: our agent, Dorie Simmonds, in London, and Charles Spicer, our editor at St. Martin’s Press. Even when energies, effort, and attention were flagging, both remained constant sources of encouragement. Charlie in particular has understood late developments and deadline extensions that might otherwise have proved catastrophic. And April Osborn, assistant editor at St. Martin’s Press, has helped answer queries and been an often sorely needed source of good news.
The idea for this book was first discussed in the summer of 2013, at a time when Greg’s beloved mother, Helena, was in declining health, and much of his attention was thus diverted elsewhere. Helena had enthusiastically supported Greg throughout his efforts. Her death in September, just a month after this project began, was an unexpected blow, as Greg and his father, Roger, struggled through a difficult mourning process.
Greg thanks his beloved father for his encouragement and invaluable support in this especially trying time.
Reassuring relatives also helped: Greg would like to especially note the thoughtful and much appreciated attentions of his aunt and uncle Virginia and Willard Pearson; his cousin Jeannine Evans; his aunt and uncle George and Ann Cline; and his aunt Anna King. Everyone mourns in a different way: this book—demanding so much of Greg’s time and attention each day—became an invaluable outlet for his energies and helped focus his mind at a time when concentration was difficult.
Greg would also like to thank a truly supportive group of friends, even if the last few years have often left him preoccupied with other concerns: Janet Ashton, Bob Atchison, Antonio Pérez Caballero, Diana and Nick de Courcy-Ireland, Simon Donoghue, Professor Joseph Fuhrmann, Coryne Hall, Ceceilia Hamilton-Brown, Sophie von Hohenberg, Chuck and Eileen Knaus, Marlene Eilers Koenig, Angela Manning, Susanne Meslans, Ilana Miller, Rob Moshein, Mike Pyles, Karen Roth, Debra Tate, Katrina Warne, and Sue and Mike Woolmans. Brad Swenson, of Buy and Sell Video in Everett, Washington, not only kept him entertained but also came to his technological assistance during research. And Arturo Beéche, editor and publisher of the European Royal History Journal, has provided enthusiastic support and a diverting mixture of projects to keep him current in the royal history universe.
Penny would like to thank her family for their support: Peter and Lynne O’Hanlon of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands; James and Tricia Manara of Phoenix; Jon Phillips of Tucson; Peggy, Darren, Eric, and Ryan Cartwright of Riverside, California; Barbara Wilson of Riverside, California; and Mary Kelsey of San Diego. Above all, thanks to Tom Wilson, for midnight repairs on Penny’s computer, for buying and building extra bookshelves, for taking over at home during archival visits, and for generally enduring life with a writer for almost twenty years.
Penny would also like to thank her employees and coworkers at Riverside City Gym, who have carried on keeping the doors open when the boss was unavailable: James Brown, Justin DeSoucy, Daniel Early, Nicole Flaherty, Gino Gonzalez, Gio Gonzalez, Alex Howard, Haley Hyland, Clayton Nicodemus, Wellington Porter, Jennifer Rider, James Shearer, Josh Sweeten, Casey Watson, David Watson, Jisel Wilson, and Alvin Wright. Thanks also to Bent
Similar Books
