acknowledgments
Numerous individuals generously dedicated their time to reviewing this book, and I am sincerely grateful for the valuable comments and suggestions received. I extend my gratitude to Raymond Kendall, a dear friend who insisted I write this book. Lucien Bourely, a friend and former partner in my company, deserves special mention for his consistently valuable insights and encouragement.
My deepest appreciation goes to the great team of technical editors I was fortunate to have, namely Patrick Perez, Raymond Pettit, James T. Deiotte, Dick Sini, Shawn Nevalainen, François Stehlin, Florent Gastoud, Philippe Hallouin, and Philippe Perez. These exceptional experts invested their time and expertise in thoroughly reviewing my work. Through numerous discussions, their insights, suggestions, and meticulous inputs significantly contributed to refining the manuscript. Each editor brought a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the table, enhancing the overall quality of the content. Their dedication to precision, helpful critiques, and collaborative approach played a pivotal role in shaping the content of the book. Throughout the different iterations leading to the final edition, their feedback acted as a guiding force, ensuring the narrative remained engaging, informative, and accessible to readers from diverse backgrounds.