Closing Time

Acknowledgments

If I hadn't thought it better to present this novel without introductory statements, I would have dedicated it to Valerie, my wife, and again, as at first, to my daughter, Erica, and my son, Ted. I would have extended the dedication to Marvin and Evelyn Winkler, husband and wife, and to Marion Berkman and the memory of her husband, Lou-friends since childhood to whom I feel thankfu for more than their encouragement, assistance, and cooperation.

Michael Korda proved a formidable and perfect editor for me, responsive, critical, blunt, appreciative.

One chapter of this novel, by droll coincidence the one titled "Dante", was prepared and written while I was a resident guest at Lake Como, Italy, at the Bellagio Study and Conference Center ol the Rockefeller Foundation. The enjoyments and conveniences there were inimitable, and we, Valerie and I, remain grateful to all involved for the hospitality and work facilities and for the warm friendships we made with fellow residents that are still maintained.