viiACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This is the part of the book where the author always writes “this book
would not have been possible without the help of the following
people...” and it’s true. In this case, many generous people have touched
the making of this book in one way or another. My sincere gratitude and
deep appreciation is offered to the following wonderful souls for their
contributions in helping make this book a reality: Matt Beucler, for the
road map, and because everybody needs a coach and you have been the
best; and John Chen, for letting me figure it out by myself those many
years ago in Hawaii, and for introducing me to Matt. Sarah Poindexter,
for stating very simply what was real, this book became real because of
you. Roger and Elizabeth Eggleston, who have contributed more time
than anyone should ever be asked to, and more support than anyone could
possibly imagine. David Dodd, reference librarian extraordinaire at the
Marin County Civic Center Public Library. Heather Lindsay, of the Emilo
Segrè Visual Archives of the American Institute of Physics, for the
incredible help with photos, you saved me. Chris Van Buren and Bill
Gladstone, of Waterside Productions, and the amazing Margot Maley
Hutchison for stepping into the fray and agenting with such finesse and
spirit. Frank Darmstadt, of Facts On File, a saint of an editor and the
absolutely most patient man I have ever encountered in my life. You are
one of a kind, I am certain of it. The support network of the famous
Silicon Valley breakfast club, WiWoWo, especially Sally Richards, Carla
Rayachich, Donna Compton, Renee Rosenfeld, Lucie Newcomb, Silva
Paull (also of Gracenet fame), Liz Simpson, Joyce Cutler, et al., you have
been with me through the entire time of this adventure, and yes, it’s
finally finished! Madeline DiMaggio, the world’s best writing coach and
a dear friend; Kathie Fong Yoneda, a great mentor and friend in all kinds
of weather; Pamela Wallace, writer and friend extraordinaire who has
gone above and beyond for me in all ways; and for the three of you for
introducing me to the three of you. Gregg Kellogg for his incredible
selfless research, late-night readings, and the dialogues about
mathematicians. John Newby, who helped me keep moving forward. Rob
Swigart, for the support, in so many ways, in research, time, and things
too many to mention here, without whom I could not have done this on a
number of levels, including the finite and infinite pieces of wisdom you
have shared with me. A very special thank you to my dear friend and