Author's Note

I spent three years researching the treaty talks as well as the colorful Edwardian period. It seemed important to depict both the texture of the times as well as the geo-political dynamics that formed the background and the context for those three pivotal months. I wanted to tell the story of that summer of 1905. But rather than relate a story filled with glossy hyperbole, my story is the one from the backstage, filled with fascinating ploys, feints, betrayals, empires crumbling and others rising. The project consumed much of time for another seven years.

For this somewhat fictionalized account, I created only three main characters: John Langdon, Teresa Bellecano and Mal, Mary Baker's "retainer." All treaty discussions and developments are historically accurate. The dialog is imagined consistent with what we know was said, what was related through memoirs or how the actors in this drama would have likely spoken.

As the story unfolds in these pages, you may have questions about whether something is documented fact. Surprisingly, early reviewers found 'incredible' things that were true---and accepted as fact things that were imaginative constructions. I guess, to paraphrase Mark Twain, unlike reality, fiction has to be believable.

I "imagineered" the early "psy-ops" part of the plot---the attempt to uncover plans and motives, and to affect developments through espionage emphasizing the psychological make-up of participants. In the time period of the story, Sigmund Freud had just published "Interpretation of Dreams" and Frazier (and others) had written on mythologies and cultures. The existence of "spiritual" man (and woman) in the public realm had long been acknowledged. More recently, in the 18th and 19th centuries, both "political" man, and the somewhat more recent "economic" man had come to the fore. Now, momentum in this new era (late 19th and early 20th century) was picking up in the understanding of "psychological" man too.

I'll also confess to occasionally "tweaking" some reality not central to the story. Perhaps not surprisingly, women reviewers tended to react poorly to the story's lack of condemnation for prostitution. Though "streetwalkers" were viewed then much as they are today, brothel workers and "occasional" or "day ladies" were part of a more accepted shadow world in the American culture. And not surprisingly, the Japanese held vastly different views. Records and histories from the time convey a much different sensibility about this than we feel today.

But the reality of what happened over those few months is compelling. Some have said, the peace made was the best that could be achieved at the time. That was probably true and doesn't diminish the achievement. But maybe too, the reputation of the conference is only enhanced by considering, besides stopping a war, what else it thrust forward into the new century.

If you want to send your questions, or comments, post them on the site or feel free using the contact information provided. GB


Acknowledgements

This project began in 1983 and in some ways, is still on-going. Setting up the website and making the work available to others suggests I acknowledge people and sources who proved significant in its development.

When I began the book, I worked with a coach, Robert Kent from Cambridge, who helped me think through the project and who gave me feedback and invaluable course correction for the first years. Though I continued to drop in and out of coach/editor relationships, another I want to note is Melody Lawrence of NYC for her willingness to struggle with my struggles. As always, Bob Kaplan, a friend of many years continued to give me permission and encouragement to follow my passions.

Much of the time spent compiling first drafts, I spent as a resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The folks at the Portsmouth Athaneum as well as the Portsmouth Library were both helpful and kind in directing me to old records. One especially noteworthy and helpful work was Stephanie Crisp's "Water Street Remembered." Her treatise was a treasure trove of period and place details that make projects like this both possible and fun. To create the period, the place and make it vivid, a writer needs the sort of window that "Water Street Remembered" provided.

Especially thoughtful histories were Raymond Esthus's Double Eagle and Rising Sun: The Russians and Japanese at Portsmouth in 1905 and LaFeber's The Clash. Also prized were the memoirs of Count Witte and Baron Rosen's Forty Years of Diplomacy. Other helpful perspectives came from Peter Randall's There Are No Victors Here---the title actually a quote from a Count Witte. He later admitted it was posturing and the treaty terms were a heavy blow to the Russians.

Finally, a number of past and present friends reviewed pieces and sometimes the whole manuscript. Though much time has passed and I'm sure I'm neglecting some of them, I want to thank Bill VanBuskirk, Bob "Chainsaw" Chaikin, Mickey Shafmaster (and our dinner circle) and Claudia Duncan.