Read A Good and Happy Child Online
Authors: Justin Evans
A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s
Several sources were critical references in writing this story:
Witch-
craft in England: 1558–1618,
edited by Barbara Rosen (University of Massachussetts Press, 1969), from which the Jean Bodin anecdote in chapter 11 is quoted and/or paraphrased;
The Roman Ritual,
translated by Philip T. Weller (1969), upon which I relied for the prayers of exorcism; a collection of essays entitled
Satan
(Sheed & Ward, 1952);
Mysti-
cism,
by Evelyn Underhill (Random House, 1911);
Deliverance from
Evil Spirits: A Practical Manual,
by Francis MacNutt (Chosen Books, 1995); a sermon by The Most Reverend and Right Honorable David Hope, Archbishop of York and Primate of England, on Ash Wednesday, 2004, at St. Thomas Church in New York City; and interviews with M. Scott Peck about demon possession, quoted in multiple sources in the press.
My first debt of thanks must go to my friend Dr. Christie Limpert, for tirelessly providing insight on multiple topics related to clinical psychology. All related mistakes and liberalities with fact are mine, not hers. It’s my extraordinary good luck to have a friend so well-versed in her field who also happens to have the knack for story structure. A thousand thanks, Christie.
321
322
A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s
Deep gratitude also to three friends whose writing talents far exceed my own but who were generous enough to read (sometimes multiple) drafts and offer valuable assistance over several years. Special thanks to Heather Byer, Jim Piazza, and Holley Bishop. Thanks to my wonderful agent, Diane Bartoli, for being an insightful and determined champion; to my editor, Sally Kim, for her laser eye and energetic support; and to the entire team at Shaye Areheart Books, especially Karin Schulze, for being thoughtful and attentive beyond all possible expectations. I wish to extend heartfelt thanks to my dear friend Patricia Burke, for her unflagging support; and to my in-laws, Claire and Joe Massie, for the countless occasions of babysitting and hospitality that allowed this book to be written.
Thanks also for contributions of many kinds to friends and associates Marjorie Braman, Susannah Hardaway, John Kolchin, Sylvie Rabineau, Elisabeth Schmitz, Todd Siegal, and David Turnbull. Finally, I want to thank my family—Martha and John Evans, and Rachel Evans Lloyd—for their confidence, love, and forebearance throughout the writing of this book, and through everything. This book is for the loves of my life: my wife, Maria, and my son, Nicholas.