Читать книгу The Cavalier Club - Stanley Goldyn - Страница 5

Acknowledgements

As an avid reader of books and one who enjoys a good novel, the desire to create my own tale lay like a dormant kraken hidden within the watery depths of my subconscious being. Aware of my insatiable curiosity with history—especially the fading Renaissance period—the urge to write steadily strengthened and I was prodded, gently and quietly, by Irene, my wife, whose unfailing encouragement ultimately persuaded me to pen this story of a romantic time in Europe’s history that had captivated me since I was a boy.

Eventually, the factual maypole around which my fictional characters danced, took shape, and my gratitude goes to my publisher whose belief in my manuscript launched this process. Thank you to my friends and family whose excitement and profound support spurred me on with their positive criticism and optimism. Special recognition must go to my brother, Michael, whose military knowledge and technical adjustments assisted me throughout this lengthy task. I will continue to look fondly forward to our continued debates.

Kind appreciation to my readers and editors, Julie and Mona, who silently coaxed commas into their rightful place and brought order to text that was ill and in need of medication. They meticulously corrected errant punctuation, straightened syntax and reformed prickly grammar into the regimented and readable final form. I am also indebted to Luke whose magic mouse conjured images and designs worthy of blessing the cover of any tome.

And finally, I am abundantly grateful to the real characters that lived and graced those incontrovertible moments in history with their desires, failings, deeds and adventures. I thank them for lending me their lives around which I was allowed to weave my yarn.

SG

Melbourne.