PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION
THIS book, though I began to think of the subject about
fifteen years ago, was actually written during the years
1937-41. In August 1938, at the International Congress of
History in Zurich, I read a paper, chiefly on the problems
with which I deal in chapters V and VI. Shortly afterwards
the blow fell on Czechoslovakia. This is not the place to speak
of what then was lost. A few months later I was enabled to
come to this country, where I went on with my work, first m
London, and later in Cambridge. In the Lent Term of 1940
I lectured on the subject of this book in Cambridge, and during
the Trinity Term on the same subject and others at University
College, Dublin, to students of both Dublin universities. The
book was finished while, for two terms in 1941, I was Classics
master at Carlisle Grammar School. Always and everywhere
the book was a good companion. The unrest of the time,
however, may have left its marks upon it.
In expressing my gratitude to those who have helped me
with the book, I wish first to thank Mr Basil Blackwell He
has never ceased to take an encouraging interest in my work,
and in the most generous way undertook to publish the book
despite all the difficulties of war-time conditions Anyone who
knows what it means to publish a book of this kind even in
normal times will appreciate how much I owe to him
In my task of writing the book in English I enjoyed friendly
help from various quarters, though, of course, I alone remain
responsible for the text To put my debts in chronological
order, I have first to mention my wife and my two sons, who
provided good advice and many corrections. I am sincerely
grateful to Miss Norah C Jolliffe, who readily undertook to
revise the MS , but had to give up her valuable collaboration
on account of her numerous peace-time and war-time duties.
But above all I have to thank Mrs Vivian Wade-Gery, who
performed the task of complete revision with untiring devotion
and scholarly acumen, and, if I am allowed to pass judgment,
with great success
Professor M. Gary and Professor H T. Wade-Gery have
been good enough to read the galley proofs, and they contn-
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