aknowledments 11
she brought me back to first principles. As the project neared completion, she worked side
by side with me in the final preparation of the manuscript. I shall never forget her tactful
fervor during that difficult time.
When I was bogged down in shortening the manuscript to a manageable length,
Joyce made it possible for me to obtain the help of an editorial consultant, Alison Bond.
Alison helped cut the manuscript and much more. With a keen eye for confusion and holes
in the story, she participated in a thorough rewriting of a number of chapters. Our corre-
spondence and intense working days together rank among my most treasured professional
experiences.
Grace M. Clark did a meticulous job of typing a clean manuscript from a cluttered
draft. In the process she caught a number of my errors. Ann Adelman was a superb copy-
editor; she submerged herself in the sense as well as the syntax of the pages. Erika Schmid’s
careful proofreading was of invaluable assistance. As managing editor for St. Martin’s, Carol
E. W. Edwards combined expertise with enthusiasm in a way that made working with her a
great pleasure. Joyce Engelson’s assistant, Jeff Pettus, had an unflappable temperament and
a passion for detail that helped us through some difficult spots.
Editorially last but functionally perhaps first,I would like to thank Richard Marek,
publisher of the St. Martin’s/Marek imprint. He gave us steadfast, uncomplaining support,
and from a position where the buck stopped.
It was my agent, Susan Ann Protter, who put me in contact with Joyce and Alison.
The agent for several other books about Reich, she brought an informed awareness to my
project. Through all the problems she was a partner who showed astonishing grace under
pressure. As one of the few persons who was with the project from inception to comple-
tion, she holds a special place in my affection. Susan, our long journey is over. Thanks!
My former wife Grethe Hoff participated in many of the experiences described in
this book.I cherish and learned from her honesty and independence of mind toward Reich
and his work. Until his death in 1979 our son Peter encouraged me with love and humor to
finish the task.His support was all the more significant because the emotional entangle-
ments among Grethe, Reich, and myself had cost him dearly.
My wife Giselle brought unusual qualities ofmind and heart to the undertaking.
She often had a sure instinct for lapses in tone or content in my psychological depictions.
Her quiet integrity provided my grounding. Above all, she had faith in the book and in me.
The public reads a book; a wife shared the reality, often grim, of rendering that work.
Giselle, my love and gratitude!
Our son Paul was five when I started the book and sixteen when I completed it.
Even though its protracted labor pains often cast a shadow over his growing-up years, he
gave the enterprise his warm blessing. He also provided the necessary spur, usually with a
light touch but on occasion with entire frankness.
Through their efforts Eva and John Varadi, my parents-in-law, contributed greatly
to the smooth functioning of our lives; through their love and solicitude to the intangible