To the memory of Harry Golding, a man of sterling moral character, generous wit and charm, endless patience, and titanic intellect; this tutor of St. John’s College in Annapolis had many students who admired him with a profound love, of whom this author’s is not the least.
Let it be not imagined by any reader that the rather sinister educational institution depicted in this fantasy is meant to resemble the author’s alma mater, for the spirit of St. John’s is one in bitter enmity to tyranny; the task of St. John’s is to make free men out of youths by means of books and balanced judgment: Facio liberos ex liberis libris libraque.