Down to a Soundless Sea (36 page)

I would also like to lovingly acknowledge the invaluable contributions of my talented partner and wife, Gail. By the time this volume will have gone to press, she will have read and reread these stories a score of times in aid of correction and clarification. Her inspiration, patient good humor, and fine literary sense has kept this project on an even keel throughout adversities and setbacks that often threatened to halt its completion.

For me the most indispensable assistance comes from a
forbearing and focused story editor. My guide, in that regard, is Professor Leonard Tourney, a marvelous author of historical mystery tales in his own right. It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that I am one of his greatest devotees. It has been a rare privilege to work with someone whose own qualifications create such an inspirational benchmark.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Peter and Patricia Benesh for their efforts in polishing the text. As editors they are true guardians of sentence structure and rational punctuation. I owe them gallons of red ink and a week in Tahiti to recover from the ordeal.

Pertinent research for this volume came from family and local resources, since it was necessary to verify minor details that had been lost in the myriad renditions of stories retold over the years.

There was one particular source that I found most insightful and timely since it edified my lifelong interest in the laboring minorities who first populated California.

Sandy Lydon’s exceptional book
Chinese Gold
was an indispensable wellspring of history, maps, names, and topical insights that would have been impossible to compile in the time available. I found Mr. Lydon’s history not only meticulously researched, but also illuminating, entertaining, and well written. I look forward to all his future books.

Finally, I would like to thank Elizabeth Winick, my agent at McIntosh & Otis, and Dan Smetanka, my editor at Ballantine Books, for their unwavering faith, support, and hard work.

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

Thomas Steinbeck began his career in the 1960s as a motion picture cinematographer and photojournalist in Vietnam. Along with his writing, speaking, and producing obligations, Mr. Steinbeck has taught college-level courses in American literature, creative writing, and communication arts. He serves on the board of directors of the Stella Adler Theatre Los Angeles and the National Steinbeck Center. He has written numerous original screenplays and documentaries, as well as adaptations of his father’s work. Thomas Steinbeck lives on the central coast of California with his wife. He is currently at work on his first novel.