Finally, I am most indebted to a number of tireless readers who reviewed the manuscript in its various drafts and supplied many insightful suggestions: including my editor, Lisa Drew, my agent, Virginia Barber, and my patient friends Joyce Hawley, Susan Fainstein, Norman Fainstein, Ronald Miller, and Gary Prideaux. Most of all I thank Julie Hoover, for many years of assistance, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

[GLOSSARY]

affion—opium

aga—concentrated rose oil

akas-diya—central camp light

alap—opening section of a raga

ankus—hook used for guiding an elephant

arak—Indian liquor

areca—betel nut used in making pan

art ha—practical, worldly "duty" in Hinduism