This book cannot go on its way without acknowledging Richardson Wright, Editor of House and Garden Magazine, at whose request the chapters were written, as the source of it and as the stimulus to the gathering of the material. I also want to acknowledge the unflagging services of Celia Arbeit, his secretary, who at every point helped in collating the straying text and furtive photographs.
I must not forget the manufacturers, who have supplied me with information, illustration, and enthusiasm, and also the several experts who were philanthropic enough to read every chapter (before they came out in House and Garden) to eradicate any technical or scientific anachronism that might have lurked therein. To all these and others who have helped I am very grateful.
E. R. P.
New York City
August 1922