A book of this nature involves many people and a lot of cooperation. I owe particular thanks to a number of people without whom the volume would not have been completed. The following deserve special thanks and I am extremely grateful to each one.

First, the authors have done a fantastic job covering so many topics in our field. They have been extremely responsive to my comments and suggestions. Andrew Winnard from CUP suggested the handbook and has been supportive of the whole endeavour. Joanna Garbutt from CUP also provided advice and support. Thanks also to the indexer, Sue Lightfoot. It has been a delight working with the copy-editor, Gwynneth Drabble, the production editor, Jodie Barnes and the assistant editor, Sarah Green. Katherine Demuth was extremely helpful in the planning stages, making valuable suggestions about content and possible authors; she has also been a sounding board at other stages in the project. The people who read individual chapters provided constructive feedback to individual authors; this can only have improved the contents. I am grateful to the Institute for Advanced Study at La Trobe University which, through the help of Julia Anderson, generously provided me with office space during 2007. Nadia Petruccelli gave me invaluable assistance in the final few months of putting the chapters and references together. Finally, my partner, Malcolm Macmillan, has always been an inspiration. His wonderful patience and support are truly appreciated. Thanks Mac.