Personal Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without the dedicated assistance of many able minds and willing hands. Tom Gow, in addition to his many other duties, heroically shepherded this project from start to finish, serving as editor, adviser, critic, researcher, fact checker, footnoter, and indexer. For his support and understanding during my time of personal loss, and his tire less efforts, especially during the final hectic race to make our printing deadline, I will always be grateful.

Warren Mass and Larry Greenley also deserve special thanks for seeing this project through and joining Tom Gow in many late-night sessions. John F. McManus offered many valuable edi torial suggestions and greatly assisted my research efforts. Gary Benoit took time away from his responsibilities with the maga zine to read the manuscript and offer suggestions. Also providing invaluable assistance in research and footnoting efforts were Heather Brick, John Burns, Thomas Burzynski, Dennis Cuddy, Tom Eddlem, Brian Farmer, Larry Greenley, William Norman Grigg, Jennifer Gritt, Robert W. Lee, Warren Mass, John McManus, Lynn Raether, Alan Scholl, Paul Smith, and Jim Toft. Warren Mass did a magnificent job of desktop publishing, providing editorial assistance, assembling and compiling documen tation, indexing, and managing quality control, under trying circumstances. Thanks are due to Gary Benoit and Dennis Behreandt for final proof-reading.

For technical assistance during my many troubles with com puter insubordination, I am especially indebted to Paul Smith, Dennis Behreandt, and Steve DuBord. I commend Joe Kelly for coming up with several creative book cover options, under severe time constraints and pressure. To Vance Smith I owe tremendous thanks for great patience, understanding, and support, as this project grew from what was originally intended to be a "booklet," into its present full-length book form.

Finally, to my wife, Carmen, and my sons Jonathan and Christopher, who put up with months of disruption and turmoil - not to mention the covering of floors, tables, and every hori zontal surface with papers, books, and manuscripts - I am for ever indebted for love, patience, encouragement, and prayers.