Writing this book was a long and arduous
process that seemed dogged by bad luck every step of the way. Three times I lost the
whole manuscript, once by leaving my laptop on a train, and had to start again from
scratch. I am delighted that the book is finally finished and I would like to thank a
few people for their help and encouragement. My agent, Will Self, and my publishers and
editors at Penguin, who have been very patient and supportive. Big thanks to Justin
Rollins, Freddie Lunn, Chris Hawes, Brian Stead, Alan Ward, John Shelly, Ray Bishop and
Ricky Abbott for their helpful contributions. I would also like to thank my lovely wife,
Caroline, for all her love and support and for getting me motivated when I was at my
lowest. And to all my readers – be lucky!
