To the memory
of Sebastián Salazar Bondy
Begun as long ago as 1968, this translation would never have achieved even its present state without the continuing advice of many readers. To be sure, none of them is responsible for any errors or infelicities that may be found here; on the other hand, the translators recognize that much of whatever may be good in our work is owing to these readers, among whom we are pleased, and most grateful, to acknowledge Gene Bell-Villada, Luis Harss, José Miguel Oviedo, Colonel Fred Woerner and, of course, Mario Vargas Llosa himself.
GREGORY KOLOVAKOS
RONALD CHRIST