Acknowledging the help one has received on such a project is a daunting and humbling task. I want first to mention my wife, Gabrielle, who has read every word of this book and whose relentless criticism and passionate love form the base of the book's existence. Second, my son Isaac's joy in life and play and his total indifference to this project are a salutary reminder of the scope of one's work. Third, the members of my dissertation committee deserve thanks for their criticism of and engagement with an earlier version of this work: Professors Richard Hays (chair), D. Moody Smith, Joel Marcus, Geoffrey Wainwright, and Reinhard Hütter. Richard should receive particular recognition, for in his capacity as my Advisor he read every chapter along the way and provided countless suggestions for improvement, as well as much encouragement and friendship.