It’s all Greek to us

We are pleased to announce that in a few weeks, the hardcover edition of How-I-Did-It will be washing ashore on the island of Crete, which, we are told by a reliable informant, is in Greece. This represents our first foray into the European market, and also helps make sure that a copy or two will survive the coming worldwide holocaust. Before you ask, no, this tome has not actually been translated into Greek–that task is to serve as punishment for some rebellious private school child.

This announcement also serves as notice that How-I-Did-It is available now in hardcover, so if you want something that will age better on the shelf than the paperback, now is the time, for just a few dollars more. This edition diverges from the paperback in one key element: The Preface/Introduction has been converted to a Prologue, based on some initial feedback by our Welsh editor. (Before you ask, no, there is not a Welsh-translated version. Apparently that was his name, not his nationality, and he regretfully informed us that the  llyfr golau is not forthcoming.)

Family members are not enthusiastic about the HIDI project, but one hopes that when they encounter a nicely wrapped package under the tree (or menorah, as the case may be), that their tunes will change. For now, let us recall the immortal words of Calvin Coolidge, who, in 1918 (the year of publication of HIDI), was busy working his way towards the presidency:

Press On

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common
than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not;
unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not;
the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone
are omnipotent.
The slogan “Press On” has solved
and always will solve
the problems of the human race.