This book was a long time in the making. I could neither have begun nor completed it without the understanding and support of my wonderful mother and father, Michele and Conrad, and my dear sisters, Suzanne and Stephanie. I am indebted for intellectual and moral support to all my colleagues and friends at Harvard University, University of Washington, Seattle, the Center for Hellenic Studies, and Rutgers University. Noel Spencer’s editorial acumen was invaluable. I am enormously grateful to Valerie Woelfel for the graceful and thoughtfully rendered line drawings that she produced. Very special thanks to my very patient Jessica; a series of vigorous pats to Frances, our gray cat.