Acknowledgements

I am indebted to David Edge at the Wallace Collection for his expertise and for allowing me to handle 18th century weapons. Thanks go to film producer Bernie Williams for his support and for loving the 18th century and all who sail in her. Also to Stewart Bevan who encouraged this writing lark, and to Norrie Maclaren, John Gilbert and Stephen Walters. You are all very much a part of my writing history.

Thanks also go to Jacob Elliott, Maryliese Happel, Lorraine Murphy, Roland Bearne, Doris Dembosky, Becky Elliott, Angela Willes, Suzi Lewisohn and Jill Lubetkin.