It is Dieter Brill's gentle insistence on clarity of vision and depth of perception that has so influenced the development of general relativity and the scholarship of his colleagues and students. In both research and teaching, he is always searching for simpler descriptions with a deeper meaning. Ranging from positive energy and the initial value problem to linearization stability, from Mach's principle to topology change, Dieter's unique style has left its mark. The collection of essays here dedicated to Dieter Brill is a fitting tribute and clear testimony to the impact of Dieter's contributions.

This Festschrift is the second volume of the proceedings of an international symposium on Directions in General Relativity organized at the University of Maryland, College Park, May 27–29, 1993 in honour of the sixtieth birthdays of Professor Dieter Brill, born on August 9, 1933, and Professor Charles Misner. The first volume is a Festschrift for Professor Misner, whose sixtieth birthday was on June 13, 1992.

Ever since we announced a symposium and Festschrift for these two esteemed scientists in the Fall of 1991, we have been blessed with enthusiastic responses from friends, colleagues and former students of Charlie and Dieter all around the globe. Without their encouragement and participation this celebration could not have been realized.