1. What are the key contributions of scholars and friends to the completion of the book?
The key contributions of scholars and friends to the completion of the book are invaluable. They provided editorial guidance, improvements, and corrections that were well beyond what the author could have expected. The suggestions and improvements from scholars and friends are evident on nearly every page. Librarians also played a crucial role, and the author acknowledges the assistance and resources of libraries at Amherst College and Tulane University. The author expresses gratitude to Sebastian Hierl and Paolo Imperatori from the American Academy in Rome. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of these resources and their gatekeepers. The author also acknowledges the support and encouragement from Katie Edwards and the love and courage of their sister, Patricia, and her wife, Toni Ricigliano. The book is dedicated to them, emphasizing the impact of personal relationships on the completion of the book.
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