In the long process of writing this book, I have learned much about
writing from many people: fellow teachers, fellow thinkers about
writing, readers, students, and kin. I am grateful to the following peo-
ple for what a writer often needs, honest helpful reactions to parts of
the manuscript at various stages: Gloria Campbell, Thad Curtz, Joy
and Don Dybeck, Anne Enquist, Lee Graham, Gerald Grant, Burt
Haden, Susan Hubbuch, Criseyde Jones, Cecile Kalkwarf, Ellen
Nold, Margaret Proctor, Eugene Smith, Joanne Turpin, Mary Wake-
man, and Bernice Youtz.

I hope that the students I have worked with over these last years
here at The Evergreen State College, and the teachers here and else-
where, know how much I have learned from them and will accept my
thanks. I am grateful to the students whose writing I quote here for
their permission to do so.

I did some of my final revising during a trip, and due to the kind
hospitality of the following people I found myself working in a succes-
sion of particularly gracious rooms, each with a lovely prospect: Jean
and Joan Cordier, Rex and Celia Frayling, Malcolm and Gay Harper,
Helena Knapp.

Deep thanks to my editor at Oxford, John Wright, who helped sus-
tain me in countless ways through many unmet deadlines. Also to
Curtis Church, copy editor. I was fortunate to have Janis Maddox as
typist.

My greatest debt in writing this book is to my wife Cami for the
love and support that made it possible and the incisive editorial com-
ment that made it better.

P.E.

Olympia, Washington
September 1980

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