Um, naaaah, I think not, go back
To begin with, I am not now nor expect to ever be so important a figure in the annals of history that a writer might find interest in describing the course of my life. This notion might sound to some as prematurely pessimistic in light of the fact that this project was started in my mid- twenties but, frankly, most people wouldn't hold their breath either; for a biography, or most any other written work, takes a great deal of patience, care and time to bring to completion.
Another reason why I've decided to take on this project is to scheme out an outline of all the most important events in my life up to now. Afterwards, I can hold in my hands a concise 'super-diary', if you will, that can help keep track of my experiences in later years. As I myself wrote in an earlier attempt at an autobiography back in 1987, "Once I'm done, I will read what I've just written and say 'Oh, so this is me.'" However, it is not so much a means of finding my own identity within but rather to have the highlights of my past well documented for future reference.
Finally, one of the primary reasons I took the time and effort of writing something of this sort is to tell of myself to all who care to know about me. In here one may find not only a collection of events past but also an insight into the way I evaluate all of those experiences. In effect, one may earn an understanding of my personality itself. It is here where I describe what I like and dislike, my fears and my goals and all that which is often so hard to communicate verbally but which seems to flow onto paper with greater ease, intimacy and eloquence.
It is thus that I invite you to get to know a little about who I am and the events which have shaped my life over the years. And do be forgiving in considering how it is well-near impossible to include every little aspect of a person's life in a hundred pages or so. Nor should that be the aim of a work like this for one risks eliciting the boredom and apathy of the reader. It is, however, my great hope that all who read this find the occasion worthwhile and interesting. And, lastly, should the lecture leave questions unanswered (or you feel criticisms could be made) I would very much hope to hear about them.
So! Before you turn the page I would like to make the few peremptory thanks that are so customary of introductions. Mom and my sister Seven need to be profusely thanked for their invaluable critiquing and support. Credit also goes to Lorna Prout, my one-time boss, for help in the editing and analysis of the early drafts. And to all my other friends who have generously taken the time to read the bio, a million-and-one thank-you's!