Читать книгу Latin American Cultural Objects and Episodes - William H. Beezley - Страница 10

This book has taken a long time but has been a pleasure to complete. It owes its existence, in the first instance, to several persons who have given assistance or made suggestions at critical times. Series editor Jürgen Buchenau patiently allowed me to tinker with the project until it reached this form. Editor Peter Coveney suggested ways to make a half‐baked idea a full‐blown proposal and then insisted on a narrative that matched the subject; he did, surprisingly, have an absolute aversion to titles using Latin phrases. Since Peter’s retirement, Jennifer Manias has continued his careful and professional guidance to authors. Carmen Nava, the unofficial cronista of Mexico, the city she loves, answered obscure questions, made smart suggestions, and laughed at foolish mistakes. William E. French, a fellow traveler throughout Mexico to puppet museums, impromptu accordion concerts, and regular mezcal tastings, converses with the past and always reconceptualizes the context of individuals and events. Our discussions always prompt me to rethink the narrative. There are no better friends.

Two other people serve as accessories to this project as they have for others. David Yetman and Dan Duncan make Emmy‐winning programs for television, especially PBS’s “The Desert Speaks,” and now “In the Americas with David Yetman.” The opportunity to travel with them as a guest for some episodes resulted in the discovery of some of the objects included in this book. Dave and Dan always provided challenging and amusing conversations over dinner and drinks, wherever we were in a half dozen Latin American locations.

Finally, this book is dedicated to Nic Beezley and his brother Matt and cousins Virginia and William, to Rosy, with whom I walk each morning around 4 a.m. While she sniffs the trails of rabbits or squirrels, I ponder the morning’s writing project. Of course, it is also dedicated to Blue.