this book has benefited immensely from the many people who have supported, encouraged, and engaged the project at every stage. the thanks I offer here cannot do justice to the spirit of openness, generosity, exchange, and fellowship that have characterized their conversations. A number of people read all or part of the manuscript, and their comments have been invaluable in strengthening my arguments: Peter Brooks, Helen Deutsch, Wai Chee Dimock, Page duBois, Nathan Hedman, Marianne Hopman, vassilis lambropoulos, Hugo Moreno, Adela Pinch, Jim Porter, Adam Potkay, Joey Slaughter, Julia Stern, Helen thompson, Christian thorne, Will West. Several anonymous reviewers have also given me impor-
tant and helpful feedback.