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We—Nicole, Kristy, Matt, Eddie, and I—dedicate this book to learners, all learners, lifelong learners, for Merlyn said it most elegantly: “The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trem- bling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then—to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.” T. H. White, The Once and Future King Special Thanks To Jill Aufill—colleague, friend, and chief proofreader—for her time, given freely, in providing feedback—making suggestions, fine-tuning corrections, and spotting those “stylistic infelicities”! Extra Special Thanks To Sharon Coatney, who “found” us, who has worked with us through these three editions of Acts, as well as the other books ABC-CLIO/Libraries Unlimited were kind enough to publish. We shall be forever grateful for Sharon’s belief, patience, and help throughout this most wonderful journey.