The Tenth Chamber

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, thanks to Simon Lipskar who I consider more than an agent, but a partner in the craft and enterprise of writing. This book is better, no much better, for his participation. And thanks too, to Angharad Kowal, for her fine representation in the UK. As usual, my first reader, Gunilla Lacoche, kept me going with her encouragement. The fascinating and multitalented Polly North gave me my very first book on the star-crossed medieval lovers, Abélard and Héloïse and inspired me to include them in my story. Miranda Denenberg was kind enough to let me read her excellent dissertation on the interpretation of prehistoric cave art which was a wonderful jumping off point to the vast literature on the subject. Laura Vogel, amazing psychiatrist and lover of literature, helped me put more character into my characters, and for that I am extremely grateful. My fantastic editors at Random House, Kate Elton and Georgina Hawtrey-Woore are doing more than publishing my books, they are helping build my career, and that has not gone unnoticed. A toast to my pantheon of archaeology mentors, some gone, all remembered, particularly the incomparable John Wymer, my late father-in-law. And finally, for Tessa, who continues to be my bedrock.