Secrets of Casanova
Page 35
The manuscript grew immensely under the tutelage of Teresa Hoyer. I laud her for her patience, expert suggestions, compassion, perseverance, and for her overestimation of my abilities. If Robin Maxwell is midwife to Casanova, Teresa Hoyer guided the manuscript from infancy into adolescence. Her skills have been indispensable to the creation of this book.
From the book’s adolescence to adulthood, there was Charis Conn, the editor who played a substantial role in the shaping of the manuscript. Professional, smart, and frank—great qualities for an editor.
Editor extraordinaire Cynthia White capped the Casanova creation with her unswerving dedication, her diligence, and her insight. She performed heroically time and again.
To Jeff and Paula—they will never know …
To Harold—for truly making The Secrets of Casanova possible. Here’s to you, Dad, for your faith and sincerity.
Others who were instrumental: Gabriella Herkert and Polly Blankenship, two writers whom I greatly admire, who set the bar just high enough and without whom Casanova could never have matured. Much other assistance was given by Todd Herman, Barbara Soichet, Bob Haas, Sam Johnson, Susan Jeter, Alan Adler, Matt Briggs, Natasha Kern, Susan Brandner, Michael Schaitel, Elizabeth Lyon, Max Thomas, Christopher Gortner (whose personal generosity under professional duress was astounding), Billie Morton, and Linda Lazar (who designed a marvelous Web site). I also thank Stephen Les and Sarah Milici who, for inspiration, gifted me with a Casanova action figure(!). Thanks to all, y’all!
It goes without saying that the wonderful folks at Booktrope earned my respect and unflagging admiration: Katherine Sears, Jesse James Freeman, Greg Simanson, and Julie Klein, among a slew of others. These are talented, dedicated, and generous people.
All of these folks are champions, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
As for the many sources used to write Casanova, special credit must go to John Masters for his superb biography of Giacomo Casanova, to Willard Trask, (the “first true English translation direct from Casanova’s own autobiography” says John Masters), and to J. Rives Childs, “that dean of Casanova students.”
Last, I give great, great credit to Giacomo Casanova’s History of My Life—a must-read for anyone intrigued by the man. The Secrets of Casanova would certainly not have come into being without the adventurer Giacomo Casanova—a man who lived an unparalleled, if not exemplary, life. A life that continues to fire the imagination of all who know his story. I am one who fell under his spell.
Adios …
Till we meet again.
GREG MICHAELS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
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