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To attempt a book as a solo endeavor is foolhardy, and any author realizes how quickly one comes to rely on the kindness, patience and generosity of others after signing a contract to write one. My first acknowledgment goes to the man who inspired this book: Ed Lanfranco. A gifted historian, Ed’s friendship and interest in my pursuits pushed me towards this once-in-a-lifetime story without either of us knowing it. The unfettered access he gave me to the Lanfranco Library was of immeasurable help to the research. Cut from a very similar cloth as Lanfranco, and to whom I am equally indebted, is George Malcolmson, archivist at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum (RNSUBMUS) in Gosport. A big man with a well-concealed big heart, his help throughout the writing of this book, both in the access he granted me to RNSUBMUS files and tipping me to new sources as they arose was invaluable. Taking time away from his own research and maintenance of the museum’s extensive archives, Malcolmson offered assistance without which this book would simply not exist. In perhaps the most selfless act of which I have ever been the recipient and beneficiary, Doreen Ridsdale gave me access to the unpublished manuscript of HMS Poseidon’s chief telegraph officer Walter Jeffery—her father, who survived the submarine’s sinking. I can only hope that this book does justice to his magnificent account of the boat, its crew, and its sad and untimely end, thereby justifying her trust in me. Shannon Roy and David Wolf made their own major contributions to this work in different ways. Roy ultimately helped crack the physics of the Poseidon collision, and was a reliable editor who offered the right amount of encouragement and criticism, improving the text with every reading. This book would not be the same without him. Acknowledgments xiv Acknowledgments Wolf’s experience as a naval reserve officer and as a voracious reader of naval history pointed the research in directions it never would have gone otherwise. To know two men who can bring so much to a project like this, and also to count them among one’s closest personal friends, is a rare piece of good fortune. Special thanks to Colin Day, the Hong Kong University Press publisher who first signed this book, and who waited patiently for me to complete it. The same gratitude is due Michael Duckworth, who succeeded Day, and Christopher Munn, who saw the book through to its completion and publication. Carol Zhong and Sherlon Ip gave the manuscript a thorough edit that it needed and improved it measurably. Arthur Jones, Luther Jones, and Luo Tong took the Poseidon story into another dimension by bringing it to life on film. There were times when The Poseidon Project’s progress pushed the book forward, and for their dedication, hard work and inspiration I am exceptionally grateful. Thanks to my mother, Ginger, whose sharp eye led to the reorganization of the text more than once. Debbie Turner-West, also of RNSUBMUS, opened my eyes to the photographic history of HMS Poseidon, and scanned a number of photos for me, including one that helped solve a mystery. Dive buddy Marcel-Kurt Moser joined me for this story’s final act, a chance to meet the closest thing to family that a submarine can have. Christiaan Virant provided key advice and guidance, including asking the important question, “What would Krakauer do?” Melissa Kershaw’s enthusiasm never flagged even when mine teetered, and she did a fair amount of literal heavy lifting, copying and sending material to relevant parties when the cost of doing so from China would have been prohibitive. Kasyan Bartlett introduced me to his great uncle’s exploits aboard HMS Perseus, and accompanied me on my first trip to Portsmouth. James Flanagan’s disappointed head shaking, along with occasional, heartfelt encouragement pushed me through some tough times. Alex Pearson has created a home for Beijing’s writers, and her own relationship with submarines turned out to be a helpful coincidence. Stephen Davies put an important part of the search back on track when it had stalled, then later guided the manuscript with voluminous notes on submarine minutiae. Tao Sixuan was an early supporter of this book and very kindly helped raise awareness both of the book and of my other work in the Chinese publishing community. Lulu Liu accompanied me on [13.58.112.1] Project MUSE (2024-04-26 04:39 GMT...

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