Kepler’s Dream (27 page)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Behind this novel stand a great cast and crew, to whom I owe many thanks:

Story consultants Ann Packer and Ann Cummins, who read early and often; Peggy Orenstein, Mary Pols, Kate Moses, and Carol Edgarian; executive producers Linda Brownrigg and Nicholas Brownrigg, who had assistance from Philip Lewis and Valerie Brownrigg; location scouts Michael Brownrigg, and Victor and Peter Engel; ghostwriter Sylvia Brownrigg; legal counsel Barry Williams and Paul Barulich; development advisers Anna Webber, the late Pat Kavanagh and Rosemary Canter.

Gift baskets are owed to my wonderful, ever-encouraging US agent Geri Thoma and tirelessly dedicated editor Stacey Barney, both of whose suggestions, responses and guidance have improved this book tremendously, from its first rough cut to this final print.

I am also honored by the graceful visual shape given to my story by the gifted team of Annie Ericsson, Chris Sheban, and Irene Vandervoort.

Special gratitude to my in-house market tester Samuel, who saw the dailies, and Romilly, my focus group; and to Henry, who once had to be brave, and good.

My deepest appreciation goes to the London office, Sedge Thomson, whose loving support throughout this production has been generous, enduring and crucial.

Over the whole of
Kepler's Dream
has presided the spirit of my grandmother, Mrs. Harry Batten, the original and incomparable GM.

And her peacocks.