Acknowledgments
Edited collections come into being only through the hard work of many people, and this book is no exception. The contributors all deserve credit not only for their research, but also for their patience and goodwill. Many other people also supported this work in different ways, at different times. Julian Deahl, formerly of Brill, came up with the idea for such a volume and guided its initial inception. As co-editor in the early stages, Paul Antony Hayward played a key role in shaping the book, identifying contributors, and setting everything in motion. Although he subsequently had to step away from the project, it nevertheless bears his imprint and, I hope, does justice to his vision.
I owe particular gratitude to those who generously shared their experience, ideas, and time. The introduction benefited from the insights of Laura Smoller and Helen Birkett. Jamie Kreiner provided astute comments on both the introduction and my chapter. She also shared tips drawn from her own experience as an editor, as did Carrie Beneš. I am immensely grateful to Cecilia Gaposchkin, whose inspired brainstorming, detailed and trenchant feedback, and moral support were simply invaluable.
Many thanks are owed to Kate Hammond and Marcella Mulder, my editors at Brill. Since inheriting this project, Kate guided it through sometimes choppy waters with admirable fortitude, patience, and common sense. Marcella then shepherded it through the production process with aplomb. It was a pleasure to work with them both.
Non-medievalists too contributed their sage advice and stalwart encouragement. I am especially grateful to Susan Branson, Lori Brown, Dympna Callaghan, Stephanie Clare, Margarita Estevez-Abe, Laurie Marhoefer, Deborah Pellow, Beth Plummer, and Mitra Sharafi. My brothers, Jason and Aaron Kahn, offered crucial moral support, as did Pierre Frison, who also made me laugh (even while beating me at Scrabble). Lastly, thanks to Tallulah, for taking me away from the computer and out into the fresh air every day.