The Preface is where the author writes why he or she has written the book, and provides embarrassing details of the deprivations suffered by him or her, and especially his or her family, whilst undergoing the self-imposed purgatory of seemingly endless days and nights putting the words on the screen, driven-nay, possessed by the conception that it is for the better good of mankind that the book is written. Sometimes there is an interruption when the spouse produces some children to kiss/chasten, or to whom to say 'hello'/'goodbye. One only finds time to comment: 'My-don't the children look small today?' The reply comes: "No, those are your grandchildren. Our children left home during an earlier book. Would you like to play with the grandchildren?" The answer: 'Umm, yes-but perhaps later. I just have to finish this chapter!'