I thank my four children, who grew up splendidly in spite of having their father disappear into his smoke-choked cellar office several nights a week. Most of all, I owe everlasting thanks to my wife, Rachel, who for almost fifty years of marriage has put up with, but still encouraged, a sometimes-temperamental author. Her love and understanding are boundless.
—John Jakes
Greenwich, Connecticut
August 15, 1999
www.johnjakes.com