The objectives and subject-matter of this book are set out in my introduction. The book itself began in research I originally undertook as a graduate student at University College London. I was only able to embark on this project, to pursue it and to bring it to a conclusion by accumulating a great number of substantial intellectual debts. I am delighted and relieved to have the chance to acknowledge the most important of these in a public manner.

I first thank the several friends and scholars who have offered detailed comments on the entire draft of this book. I am richly indebted to them all: to Jimmy Burns, John Burrow, Stefan Collini, Martin Krygier, Quentin Skinner, Peter Stein, John Thompson and Jan Vetter. Each has supplied me with valuable criticism and advice, and all of their many suggestions have guided me throughout the process of preparing the final version. For some of these friends, my indebtedness is long-standing. Stefan Collini, on whom I have often imposed before, showed great kindness and care in scrutinizing the book's final draft, eliminating numerous errors and introducing many improvements. I owe a profound debt to John Thompson, who started advising me in my years as an undergraduate, and who has ever since remained a much-needed source of counsel and encouragement.