aknowledments 9
to make sure that I painted an “authorized” portrait any more than she wanted a negative
caricature. At his best, Reich desired that an entirely honest view of his work and personal-
ity should enter the historical record; that spirit seems to have rubbed off on many who
were close to him.
I have known Gladys Meyer since 1946. She was helpful to me then and she has
remained so during the intervening years. In numerous conversations I had the benefit of
her discerning, candid mind focused on Reich and, especially, the relationship between Reich
and Theodore Wolfe. We have had our differences of opinion or emphasis, but to a remark-
able degree she embodies the true liberal spirit, which expects disagreement. Finally, I can-
not cite here her thousand acts of personal kindness on my behalf.
Elsworth F. Baker was always available to give whatever information he had that
could be of use to me. However, my thanks to him center more on his intangible contribu-
tions. From the start of the project to its conclusion, he buoyed my self-confidence through
his confidence in me.
Lois Wyvell played a key role in transforming the diffuse vapor of my biographical
ambition into workable steam in 1971 she recommended me to a publisher seeking a biog-
rapher of Reich. She also gave me her valuable recollections based on her association with
Reich over many years.
David Boadella and I have been corresponding about orgonomy since the 1950s. I
have found his book Wilhelm Reich: The Evolution of His Worka treasure trove of facts and
interpretations.
Jerome Greenfield and I met in the early 1970s when he was working on his book
Wilhelm Reich VS. the U.S.A.Since then we have exchanged considerable information. His
meticulous research on the Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of the orgone
accumulator spared me much effort.
During the 1960s Nathan Cabot Hale encouraged me to begin this biography. I am
also grateful to him for sharing precious data concerning the Norwegian newspaper cam-
paign against Reich and regarding the FDA’s activities. With David, Jerry, and Nathan, I have
felt the joy ofbeing present at the beginning of genuine historical scholarship in orgonomy.
I would like to thank David Blasband for his generous and astute legal counsel.
Douglas Levinson helped immeasurably with the conceptualization and writing of
Chapter 16.He has also brought an informed background in orgonomy and in several aca-
demic disciplines to our long-standing dialogue about Reich’s work.
An important source ofencouragement and illumination was my participation in a
group experience coextensive with the writing of this book. The group was made up of
therapists who were also friends. During hectic periods this collectivity provided a kind of
safety net for me. Most importantly, our work together facilitated my better emotional and
intellectual comprehension of themes, such as the expression of negative feeling, fusion,
and separation, issues that also pervaded my relationship with Reich. My gratitude to the fol-
lowing as members for varying periods and as steadfast friends: Sandra Fabian, Sam Fisk,
Ildri Bie Ginn, Phillip Helfaer, Barbara Miller, Bob Rosenthai, Velma Sowers, and Carter