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PREFACE
This dissertation would never have been possible without the intellectual acumen,genuine interest, and interminable enthusiasm of my director, Giuseppina Mecchia. I am grateful
for her spirited involvement throughout all stages of this project. I sincerely thank all of my
committee members, Seymour Drescher, Roberta Hatcher, and Phil Watts, for their ongoing
insights and encouragement. I express special gratitude to Dennis Looney for his help with the
Latin references in my third chapter and to both him and Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski for all
their generosity during my graduate studies.
Throughout this project I have been touched by the love of my brother Kevin and of myboth of my parents. I dedicate this work to my mother for the ways she has inspired me
academically and personally.
As is the case with any long project, there are many challenges which arise and changeswhich transpire, changes which are personal and professional, expected and unexpected. It has
been largely through the unexpected that I have benefited most from the strength and talents of
so many of my peers. I cannot close this preface without saying to Alison, Noémie, Jamie,
Teresa, Robin, and Aparna, that you have unassumingly offered much more than what was
already limitless and engaging collegial support. You have permanently transformed for me the
experience of friendship.