To acknowledge the living whose acts of generosity have helped improve these pages is like numbering the
stars. ... Nevertheless, dear Daughters of Memory, Muse of History, Muse of Biography (if any), speak loud as many of their names as you can. For reading the entire final text ... with patient resignation but scrupulously
helpful advice, sing rapturously these: [3 lines of names]. For experienced judgment on ... let these names too be gratefully recalled: [5 lines of
names]. And for those little unremembered acts of kindness and of love that make so large a portion of a good librarian's life, acclaim in golden tones the staff of [8 libraries].
Praise and thanks be also given to those who over the years have helped me with research. They are many: [2 lines of names]. But my debt is greatest to 3: ... And greatest of all to one: ... to her labours, and ... almost every page of this book is in debt.
Nor is it, Muses, ever just to forget the generosity of the Olympians: [institutions listed]. Singly and collectively they have bestowed on me the greatest of blessings: time. For their kindness to me and to countless others, I salute them.
Always, however, when the captains and the kings depart, and all other debts have been acknowledged, a creditor remains for whose bounty one can only thank God. To her this book is dedicated.