I'd like to dedicate this book to friends and family who have enriched our lives tremendously.

Wayne Allen
A tall, lanky and self-made man whose hard work and thirst for knowledge continues well into his nineties. A man who never fails to share his insight and advice, with sincere thanks.

Uncle Sam Stein
Another self-made man whose hard work is exceeded only by his generous heart and inventive mind. May we toast your one hundredth!

Bernard Crouch
A plain-spoken gentleman who brings light to our home every time he crosses the doorstep, with sincere gratitude for the pleasure of knowing him.

Larry Stone
A gentle giant with a sense of humor exceeded only by his sense of fair play. Thanks for the opportunities he's bestowed upon our family.

To Alexander, Tyler Jo, and Adrian
With a thank you for being young readers and magical people yourselves!

And to my mother Barbara and my aunt Criss, for sharing with me their love of books, reading and adventure. You shall both be greatly missed and your memories treasured.